UCLH, Proton Beam Therapy Centre

Health

For UCLH, our extensive experience in Camden was brought to bear on this high-pro le and important development. It will provide Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) for cancer patients and will be one of two new PBT centres to be created in the UK, with £250 million of funding from the Department of Health. The development will include new clinical and in-patient facilities across seven floors, with a PBT facility across four basement levels.

Challenges

• Setting out the purpose and benefits Proton Beam Therapy within UCLH’s broader cancer strategy
• Finding advocates for PBT and provision of new clinical facilities on site
• Reassuring neighbouring residents and businesses on the local impact of 
the development, including ‘rights to light’ and construction management
• Establishing a unique narrative for the development centred on PBT technology, distinguishing the project from more controversial elements of UCLH’s estates strategy, such as Middlesex Hospital

Response

• Multiple consultation events with neighbouring residents, key local stakeholders, hospital staff, and patients
• A Proton Beam Therapy booklet setting out the benefits of the technology and providing insight into the experience of PBT patients who have travelled abroad
• Active campaign to encourage support for the application, including close political engagement with Council Leader, MP, ward councillors and planning committee members
• Close collaboration with a large team of consultants, led by Scott Tallon Walker architects