Health Minister Vaughan Gething and Finance Minister Rebecca Evans have given the go-ahead for the development of a new Velindre Cancer Centre for South East Wales.

The new cancer centre is one of three projects being delivered using the Welsh Government’s revenue funded Mutual Investment Model.

Mr Gething said the proposals have been subject to a long and detailed scrutiny process by the Welsh Government.

“Our current Velindre Cancer Centre has delivered exceptional service to people for many decades. It is known as a special place by those people who have needed its crucial support at one of the most difficult times in their lives.

"But like all buildings, there comes a time when we have to look to the future and ensure that people can continue to get the best possible care for the decades ahead.

"The new centre is expected to open its doors in 2025 and will be the centre-piece of plans for delivering high quality cancer services in South East Wales. It will operate as part of an integrated network of care across the region and include closer working with other hospitals.

"As we move to the new Velindre, we must ensure we build on that incredible spirit that has grown up around Velindre that gives so many of our patients and their families the hope and support they are looking for.”

The new centre will sit at the heart of a programme of transformational change to cancer services in South East Wales.

This includes ambitious plans for better access to services, improved capacity and updated equipment. It will also include closer working with other specialist services, the development of Velindre hubs and improvements to acute oncology services across the region.

Rebecca Evans added: “We are committed to investing in our social and economic infrastructure to improve public services in Wales.

"I am pleased to be able to take forward our manifesto commitment to deliver a new cancer hospital using the Mutual Investment Model, which continues to boost capital investment in large scale infrastructure projects in Wales.

"This approach will allow us to build a new cancer centre many years sooner than would otherwise have been the case.”

Velindre University NHS Trust Chief Executive Steve Ham said: “The approval of our outline business case is an important moment for cancer services for the people of south east Wales.

’’It provides a once in a generation opportunity to transform the services we offer in partnership with our patients, UHB partners, academic partners and the third sector. We will continue to put patients’ needs and safety at the heart of everything we do as we progress our plans, building on our proud history.

"We are committed to working with everyone to deliver a building that benefits the needs of our patient population, the local community and future generations. We want the new Velindre Cancer Centre to become a flagship for sustainable development by placing the Well-Being of Future Generations Act at the centre of the design, procurement, construction and operation of the new Velindre Cancer Centre where others come to see the art of the possible in developing sustainable infrastructure.”