'Landmark' child health hub completed

A “transformative” £17 million technology centre aimed at transforming children’s healthcare has reached a construction milestone in Sheffield.

HBC Construction has completed work on The Spark, the new home of the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT), ahead of the facility becoming operational later this year.

Delivered in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, the purpose-built 43,000sq ft centre is located at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

The facility will bring together healthcare professionals, academics and industry partners to develop and adopt new technologies designed to improve health outcomes for children and young people in the UK and internationally.

Sustainability has also played a central role in the project, with The Spark targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating following the completion of construction.

Lee Powell, managing director at HBC, said: “We are proud to have successfully delivered the National Centre for Child Health Technology. 

“It is a landmark and genuinely transformative project for the UK.

“Contributing to a facility that has the potential to change lives and improve outcomes for children and young people has been a truly rewarding journey for our team.

“We’ve built a strong working relationship with the Trust, founded on ambition, flexibility and close collaboration, and have together delivered the scheme to the exceptionally high standards it merits.”

Funding has been provided by Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Officials say the centre will support wider ambitions to move healthcare closer to communities, increase the use of digital technology and place greater emphasis on prevention alongside treatment.

The completion comes during Sheffield Children’s 150th anniversary year, with the Trust now preparing to fully operationalise the centre and expand collaboration across healthcare, academia and industry.

Community involvement has formed part of the project throughout construction, including a steel signing ceremony last summer that brought together partners and young people to record their hopes for the future of healthcare on the building’s structure.

Ruth Brown, chief executive at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The completion of Sheffield Children’s newest building, The Spark, is an important milestone for children and young people everywhere. 

“As we celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s, we are proud to open a new facility that will transform care today while also becoming the home of the National Centre for Child Health Technology, helping shape the future of children's healthcare for generations to come.

“The Spark has been shaped through partnership, ambition and a shared belief that every child deserves the very best healthcare. 

“Working with children and young people, clinicians, colleagues who support our services, and our construction partner, HBC Construction, we have designed and delivered a new space that will help us in our mission to create healthier futures for children and young people.” 

The Spark is expected to open later this year, which also marks the 50th anniversary of Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.

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