Brighton: Demolition work begins to make way for £155m cancer centre

The Barry Building dates back to the 1820s and was previously labelled no longer "fit for purpose"

Demolition work has started on a former hospital building in Brighton to make way for the new Sussex Cancer Centre.

The Barry Building at the Royal Sussex County Hospital was built in 1828 and was the oldest operational NHS building in the country until it closed last year.

Chief of service for cancer Dr Sarah Westwell said the new £155m centre would bring "world-class cancer care" to Brighton and Sussex.

It is expected to be complete in 2028.

In June 2023, services at the Barry Building moved into the new Louisa Martindale Building, a new state of the art building which cost about £500m.

Dr George Findlay, chief executive of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said the old hospital estate and surrounding buildings would be carefully dismantled over the next few months.

"It will bring state of the art, purpose built facilities, employing novel treatments and technologies, expertise and research together in an environment that supports improved patient and staff experience for our radiotherapy, oncology and haematology departments."

He added a revised planning application would be submitted.

The new Sussex Cancer Centre has been "meticulously designed", according to Dr Sarah Westwell

In January, contractors started removing internal fixtures and fittings on the Barry Building. Controlled dismantling of the external structure began in February.

The trust added demolition plans had been "thoroughly reviewed" to minimise disruption, dust, and noise for patients, visitors, staff, and residents.

'Hugely excited'

Dr Westwell said: "We're hugely excited about this once in a generation opportunity to transform the care we're able to provide for people living with cancer in Sussex.

"The building has been meticulously designed with our patients, their outcomes and wellbeing at the heart of every decision."

The trust said the centre and new public area to expand the front entrance to the Louisa Martindale Building are due for completion in 2028, subject to planning and approvals.

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