Construction is underway on the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) – a pioneering research and technology centre that will tackle some of the biggest challenges in children’s healthcare.

Located at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the flagship NCCHT project is being delivered by Henry Boot Construction in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust – almost 150 years since both organisations were founded in Sheffield.

The construction contractor was appointed to deliver the £17 million scheme earlier this year.

The purpose-built, world-leading research and technology centre will bring together global clinical expertise with cutting-edge innovation, helping to revolutionise children’s healthcare.

Spanning an estimated gross internal area of around 43,000 sq ft, the NCCHT will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities that will act as a beacon of excellence for the NHS.

Initial enabling and site establishment works are now complete, and steel installation will commence in July. The project is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, with a strong focus on sustainability embedded into the design.

Funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, the NCCHT will bring new healthcare technologies to the heart of service and care delivery for children and young people.

The new facility will also expertly position Sheffield Children’s to deliver on the Government’s ten-year plan to improve patient outcomes – moving care from hospitals to communities, making better use of technology and focusing on preventing sickness, not just treating it.

Ryan O’Loughlin, Regional Director at Henry Boot Construction, said:

“As a business that calls Sheffield home, we’re incredibly proud to be delivering this flagship healthcare project in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

“Having delivered many transformational developments across South Yorkshire – from urban regeneration schemes within Sheffield’s Heart of the City masterplan to innovation hubs within the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – we understand the long-term impact such projects can have on our region.

“The NCCHT has the potential to change lives and deliver lasting health benefits for children and young people not only across South Yorkshire, but far beyond.”

As building work progresses on site, Sheffield Children’s is simultaneously delivering events and initiatives at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in the lead up to the facility’s official opening in 2026.

Ruth Brown, Chief Executive at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, added:

“Sheffield Children’s has come a long way since caring for 29 patients in 1876 – our first year and from one building. Last year we provided over half a million patient contacts and provide care from many buildings and across communities.

“The National Centre for Child Health Technology is a significant milestone for our 150^th anniversary. Through our work with patients, clinical colleagues, academia and industry we will reimagine care for the next 150 years by embracing innovation and providing the very best care, with and for children and young people.

“We are delighted that the NCCHT is being built by another leading Sheffield organisation on the only Olympic Legacy Park outside of London. Already, we are seeing the impact of collaboration between partners, and we are looking forward to developing this further as we create a healthier future for children and young people.”

The NCCHT will open in 2026 during Sheffield Children’s 150^th anniversary year and the 50^th anniversary of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.