A new construction director has been appointed to lead the final designs and build of Cambridge Children’s Hospital and Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
Matt Allen, who has worked in the building industry for more than 30 years, joins Cambridge University Hospitals as Director of New Hospital Construction, to lead the construction of two new specialist hospitals, Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and Cambridge Children’s Hospital, planned for the Addenbrooke’s site.
Having led the construction of the University of Cambridge £300m Ray Dolby Centre, otherwise known as the Cavendish III physics laboratory, Matt joins the project at a very exciting time. We are about to appoint our preferred construction partner for the cancer hospital and the children’s hospital’s Outline Business Case is scheduled for national review in September, which continues to attract widespread regional support.
As Construction Lead for the new hospital, Matt will work on the build and its new state-of-the-art facilities, ahead of construction starting on Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital next year.
We are making significant progress with our plans to build a new children’s hospital for the East of England, the only region in the UK without a specialist children’s hospital. Planning permission for the hospital was awarded in March 2022.
I am very excited about joining CUH to lead the construction of two world class hospitals that will undoubtedly have a significant impact across the region and the UK
Matt Allen
Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the project having led the detailed design, procurement and delivery of new builds and major refurbishments within Universities, Airports and Local Authority infrastructure.
Welcoming his appointment, Claire Stoneham, Director of Strategy and Major Projects at Cambridge University Hospitals said:
“I am delighted to have Matt Allen join the Trust as CUH’s Director of New Hospital Construction.
"We have well-advanced plans for the two new specialist research hospitals for the East of England – a children’s hospital, and a cancer hospital.
"His appointment is a critical step in ensuring we have the capability and experience in our team to build the hospitals, which will transform patient care for generations to come."
Commenting on his appointment, Matt said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Cambridge University Hospitals to lead the construction of two world-leading hospitals that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of healthcare and for patients across the region and the UK.
“The team and partner organisations involved have an impressive reputation and have done very well to progress these major projects through the initial design phases.
“I am now looking forward to working with the highly skilled teams to deliver a building that lives up to the vision."