Níall McLaughlin Architects has received planning approval for a new 484m² two-storey timber Maggie’s Centre in Cambridge.
The purpose-built facility will replace the current temporary centre, which has operated since 2012 from a converted key worker residential block.
A winner of the 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize, Níall McLaughlin Architects has collaborated with the cancer support charity for the past five years to develop plans for the new permanent centre, located on the Addenbrooke’s Hospital campus.
Maggie’s Centres are known for their architecturally significant designs, with previous projects delivered by renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Amanda Levete, and Daniel Libeskind. There are currently 24 centres across the UK.
Last year, the existing Maggie’s facility at Addenbrooke’s provided support to people nearly 10,000 times, and the charity hopes the new centre could triple that number.
Níall McLaughlin’s proposal includes the demolition of a two-storey NHS administration building located near the Bright Horizons Day Nursery and Preschool, off Robinson Way. The practice initially explored both a full retention and retrofit, as well as a partial retention and extension. However, early design studies led to both options being ruled out.
The new split-level scheme is organised around a pinwheel plan, revolving around a central staircase, lift shaft and lightwell. An olive tree is set to be planted in this central space. Each of the centre’s mono-pitched roofs will incorporate high-level clerestory windows.
The facility is designed to “provide people affected by cancer with and inspiring spaces to decompress from the clinical hospital setting, seek support and take part in activities.”
It will feature a “warm and welcoming” kitchen area, a winter garden, rooms for one-to-one support, and larger spaces for group meetings and exercise classes.
The landscape design, developed by Tom Stuart-Smith Studio, aims to “enhance the existing woodland setting to the north of the site” and create a “welcoming entrance approach and expanded south-facing garden.”
Maggie’s chief executive Laura Lee said: “We’ve worked closely with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for many years to ensure people with cancer across the Cambridgeshire area, as well as those who love them, have had free expert support at our interim centre.
“It is wonderful to now be a step closer to building a centre designed with people living with cancer in mind.”
In 2022, Níall McLaughlin received the RIBA Stirling Prize for his work on the new library at Magdalene College in Cambridge, located three miles south of the Addenbrooke’s site.
Commenting on the latest approval, McLaughlin said: “This exceptional organisation deserves a thoughtfully designed and inspirational setting and we believe that the proposed building and landscape will do much to complement the care and support provided by the centre’s remarkable staff.”
Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with the centre expected to open by 2028.
