Double recognition for National Centre for Child Health Technology

A proposed international centre of excellence supporting world-leading research and innovation in child health to be located at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park could be named Public Private Collaboration of the Year at two separate awards ceremonies.

The National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT), which is being delivered in partnership with Scarborough Group International (SGI), Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield City Council and part-funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, has been shortlisted in the same category at the 2022 EG Awards and Insider Yorkshire Property Industry Awards.

SGI submitted detailed plans for the circa 45,000 sq ft building, which will form part of its ambitious vision for the next phase of development at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, earlier this year.

If approved, the £26m flagship project will become a global first, facilitating the development of some of the most advanced therapies in the world for children and young people through partnerships between industry, clinical and academic experts.

It follows in the footsteps of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) and Canon Medical Systems’ Park Community Arena, which will become the UK’s first affordable net-zero carbon built sports, healthcare and community arena featuring an integrated Medical Diagnostic Centre.

Professor Paul Dimitri, Professor of child health and director of research and innovation at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted that our plans for the centre are already receiving recognition from award panels, who are seeing the impact the centre can make for children and young people around the world.

“The National Centre for Child Health Technology is set to develop the most advanced therapies through digital and technology development for children and young people.

“It will play a central role in ensuring that we advance the way we develop sustainable and transformational healthcare and drive prevention for children to ensure the future is bright.”

Kevin McCabe, Chairman at SGI, commented: “This is a perfect example of public-private sector collaboration done right. The whole team has worked in tandem to understand and interpret Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust’s specific requirements and priorities in order to deliver a commercially-viable solution.

“To receive regional and national recognition for the project despite not yet having obtained planning consent speaks volumes, and is testament to the high-quality design and approach to delivery.”

Cllr Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee, said: “The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park (SOLP) continues to go from strength to strength and is integral to the future impact of the region’s pioneering Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID), a transformation innovation-led economic development programme which is driving regeneration, training and business activity – connecting local people to emerging opportunities and new wealth for the region.

“The NCCHT development is a great example of the fantastic collaborative approach of local and regional partners and will be an exciting addition to AMID’s growing reputation as global centre of innovation excellence.

“The NCCHT will become the world’s most advanced and integrated healthcare system for children – accelerating development of the SOLP, attracting national and international investment, creating high value jobs, developing new companies and generating upwards of £2 billion of GVA.”

Dr Chris Low, Chief Executive at Legacy Park Ltd, commented: “This is just the latest example of how the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park has become the perfect place for incredible cross-sector partnerships, making a difference to people’s lives through innovation.”

The winners of the Insider Yorkshire Property Awards will be announced on 22 September 2022 and the EG Awards on 2 November 2022.