17 years since its completion, the Queen’s Centre for Oncology & Haematology at Castle Hill Hospital continues to stand as a leading example of how thoughtful, people-focused design can support healthcare excellence, and long-term health and wellbeing.
Queen’s Centre for Oncology & Haematology continues to stand as a leading example of how thoughtful, people-focused design can support healthcare excellence, and long-term health and wellbeing.
A Healthcare Landmark That Has Stood the Test of Time
Since opening its doors in 2008, the Queen’s Centre for Oncology & Haematology has not only fulfilled its original vision as a centre of excellence but has stood the test of time as a resilient, adaptable, and healing environment. In 2025, it remains a benchmark in cancer care design; continuing to support patients, staff, and the wider community in the ways it was originally intended and more, with many of its early innovations proving remarkably enduring.
The building was conceived as a regional hub, bringing together oncology and haematology services for Humberside and North Lincolnshire into one integrated facility. This co-location of services has continued to prove its value, offering streamlined pathways for patients and enabling greater collaboration among clinical teams. What was a forward-thinking model of care in 2008 is now seen as best practice, demonstrating the project’s longevity and impact.
How Architecture and Nature Combine to Heal
The building has aged gracefully, thanks in large part to its sensitive design and use of natural materials. Set on the rural edge of the Castle Hill Hospital campus, the centre steps down a hillside, blending into the surrounding landscape. Working with the topography was a key driver to provide ground-level access to each floor, improved orientation, and allowed every ward to open onto a private courtyard. These courtyards remain peaceful sanctuaries for patients, supporting the proven therapeutic benefits of nature in healthcare environments.
Innovative Design Decisions That Continue to Deliver
The decision to invert the traditional hospital layout, placing inpatient wards on the lower floors and outpatient and research functions above, continues to pay dividends. Patients benefit from greater privacy and direct contact with the outdoors, while the centre’s layout still supports clear, intuitive wayfinding. The themed courtyards and extensive views across the countryside have ensured that the building remains uplifting and easy to navigate, two features that have proven crucial to patient experience over time.
Sustainable by Nature: Built-In Environmental Responsibility
The Queen’s Centre has also stood the test of time environmentally. The innovative use of the site’s clay substrata reduced the reliance on concrete radiation shielding, a solution that remains efficient and cost-effective today. Sustainable drainage systems, protection of the local aquifer, and the planting of over 5,000 trees have created a thriving ecological setting that has only grown richer with time. The maturing landscape continues to enhance the centre’s calming atmosphere and connection to nature—elements that were integral to the original design philosophy and have only become more appreciated in modern healthcare thinking.
The sculpture trail, developed in collaboration with local artists, has also remained a much-loved feature. It continues to offer visual interest and moments of reflection, helping to reduce stress for patients and creating a more human experience within a clinical setting. These creative interventions have aged well, avoiding trends and instead grounding the centre in a sense of place and community.
Future-Proofing Healthcare Infrastructure
Crucially, the Queen’s Centre has continued to adapt. Its spatial layout has allowed the Trust to respond flexibly to changes in healthcare delivery, research needs, and patient volume without compromising the building’s core integrity. The robustness of its design has supported operational longevity and reduced the need for major interventions, both are evidence of how well it was future-proofed from the outset.
An enduring healthcare environment born from our Thoughtful Design approach
From the very beginning, the success of the Queen’s Centre has been grounded in our Thoughtful Design approach. Back in 2008 we carefully listened and responded to our client’s comments, delivering a truly healing environment, where patients and staff are uplifted. Close collaboration between design and operational teams has meant that even now, over 17 years later, the building retains its original quality.
Today, the Queen’s Centre continues to deliver on the aspirations set out over a decade and a half ago. It remains a place where architecture, landscape, and clinical function come together to support the journey of healing. Its success demonstrates the enduring value of design that is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of both people and place.
