14.03.19
Plans unveiled to replace fire-ravaged Christie hospital cancer unit
Plans for a new cancer research centre in Manchester has been revealed to replace a fire-damaged building at the Christie hospital.
The regeneration of the Paterson building, which was destroyed in a huge fire in 2017, sets out plans for a new “world-class” cancer research centre.
The Christie published an image of the proposed new facility, known as the Paterson Redevelopment Project (PRP).
The fire, caused after hot debris from welding work on the roof, destroyed key equipment and years of valuable research and saw more than 300 scientists and staff displaced.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds in damage were caused as 16 fire engines tackled the fire but nobody was injured.
Thousands of pounds were raised in days for Cancer Research UK to help rebuilt the building, and now the vision for a modern replacement has been unveiled by the hospital’s bosses.
The new building would span 270,000 sq ft and house research laboratories, consultant workspace, and a biological research unit, as well as exhibition and education areas plus a ‘health and wellbeing garden.’
The redevelopment is being led by The Christie on behalf of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) and a partnership between the hospital, Cancer Research UK, and the University of Manchester.
They say they want the building completed by 2021 and hospital chiefs said they want the new development to help the MCRC become on of the world’s top five centres for basic, clinical and translational cancer research by 2025.
A public consultation on the plans will run until the 22 March and a planning application will go before the committee in May.