Bouygues UK has been awarded the contract to deliver Cambridge Children's Hospital, a revolutionary new facility that aims to transform the landscape of children's healthcare by integrating physical and mental health services under one roof, while placing research and sustainability at its core.

Delivered in partnership with Arcadis, Terrell International, and AECOM, the hospital will be the first of its kind globally to provide truly integrated care, addressing both the physical and mental health needs of young people in a unified setting. The innovative model will also enhance research into disease prevention and early diagnosis, with a special focus on conditions such as childhood cancers.

Spanning approximately 35,000 square metres over six primary floors, the hospital is designed to meet BREEAM Excellent standards and align with the NHS’s Net Zero Carbon (NZC) goals. Sustainable technologies including Air Source Heat Pumps and photovoltaic panels will be key to achieving its ambitious environmental targets.

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Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO at Bouygues UK, said: "We are honoured to lead on the construction of this pioneering project which embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and building for life. We look forward to working closely with all partners to bring this groundbreaking vision to life, setting new standards in healthcare for children."

Designed by Hawkins\Brown in collaboration with White Arkitekter, the hospital’s architectural vision combines modern materials such as Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) panels, vertical terracotta fins, and picture frame detailing to create a welcoming, purpose-built environment. A blend of unitised and stick cladding systems reinforces the contemporary design.

Environmental and therapeutic elements play a key role in the project’s landscaping. Plans include a car park to the northeast, a 190-space cycle store in the southwest, and thoughtfully designed play areas for both recreational and therapeutic use.

The hospital has been co-created with input from young people, families, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that the design responds directly to their needs. This user-led approach recognises the reality that many children with mental health conditions also face physical health challenges, and vice versa, emphasising the importance of an integrated care environment. The result will be a hospital that offers age-appropriate, safe, and high-quality care within state-of-the-art facilities.

Cambridge Children's Hospital will not only serve the local community but also set a new international benchmark for sustainable, inclusive, and research-driven paediatric healthcare.

Pic Credit: Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH)