The GSSArchitecture designed Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Kettering General Hospital is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary.

A celebratory event was held on 16th January 2025, with those who have benefitted from the services offered, key stakeholders from Macmillan and Kettering General Hospital, and the project team, who were involved with the design and construction of the building, all invited to celebrate the centre’s achievements to date.

Since being officially opened in January 2023 by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Spencer, the centre has provided a range of vital cancer information and support services under one roof to those living with and affected by cancer within the local area. As the first of its kind in Northamptonshire, the state-of-the-art Cancer Support Centre has been hugely successful since welcoming its first patients and has received a Quality Assessment Award after securing top marks in all areas of the assessment.

Situated within the courtyard inside the hospital’s main ward block, the aim of the design is to help to support those working within and visiting the centre. The unique curved building makes best use of the available space, with opportunities for outdoor areas and a range of less clinical, private and calm spaces within the heart of the hospital.

Danielle Bates, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Lead, said: “Since the official opening in 2023, the centre has supported 3834 interactions with patients, carers, relatives, and professionals. Feedback from both patients and healthcare professionals has been amazing and I am very proud of the service we offer and all those involved in getting the centre to the place it is today.”

Anna McTaggart, Partner at GSSArchitecture, who attended the 2nd Anniversary event, said: “It’s fantastic to come back and catch up with the team that has helped make the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre such a huge success. As the architects for the project, we are extremely proud to see the positive impact the centre continues to have on the local community. Centres like this are hugely important, and with cancer affecting so many of us, it is reassuring to know that there are welcoming places to go that provide invaluable support and access to resources. I want to extend our congratulations to the team at Macmillan and Kettering General Hospital for reaching their 2-year anniversary and we look forward to celebrating many more with them.”

Having delivered projects at Kettering General Hospital for over 100 years, including the original hospital building back in 1897, we were delighted to provide architectural, principal designer and lead consultant services for the delivery of the centre, alongside Main Contractor, Marshdale Construction Ltd., and GSSllp, who provided Quantity Surveying services.