MTX starts construction of landmark South East Wales diagnostics and treatment centre

A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the start of construction for a landmark diagnostics and treatment centre in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, designed and constructed by MTX Contracts Ltd.

The event was attended by First Minister of Wales the Rt Hon Eluned Morgan MS and Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, along with representatives from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

In February, the Welsh Government approved funding for Phase 1 of the Llantrisant Health Park, which will support regional collaboration to improve access to diagnostics and treatment. The centre of excellence will enhance delivery of high-volume, low-complexity orthopaedic and day/outpatient general surgery.

The entire project will see the former British Airways Avionics Engineering (BAAE) site, located near Cardiff, transformed into a state-of-the-art healthcare campus, delivering a c.17,300m² new build development across three buildings with supporting infrastructure to create a Community Diagnostics Hub and Treatment Centre.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “The Llantrisant Health Park is a major investment in our NHS, which will boost testing capacity and make it easier and quicker for people to have assessments closer to home.  

“Following the additional investment we’ve provided and the hard work of NHS staff, we’ve just seen a record fall in NHS waiting lists, now at their lowest level in almost six years.

“The Llantrisant Health Park, together with other investments in our NHS estate, will help improve access to care and bring down waiting times further.”

Paul Mears, Chief Executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “Llantrisant Health Park represents an exciting step forward for health care services in South East Wales.

“Bringing services together in a purpose-built facility will improve access, reduce delays and provide a better experience for patients across the region.”

MTX has been appointed to deliver Phase 1 of the development, which focuses on the design and construction of the 7,500m² Community Diagnostics Hub.

Set across three floors, the new hub will house a range of advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. The ground floor will include MRI, CT, ultrasound and plain film X-ray suites, alongside dedicated endoscopy procedure rooms, follow-up screening and clinical services. The second floor will accommodate plant rooms and a training area for staff, including theEndoscopy Academy, a high-quality regional NHS training centre. External landscaping and supporting works will also form part of this phase.

MTX Managing Director David explained: “Following our appointment under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement, MTX engaged early in the design process to drive efficiency from the outset. Our dedicated pre-construction team, including specialist healthcare architects, have worked closely with clinical teams to ensure the design maximises functionality and patient experience.

“Combining our extensive healthcare expertise with Modern Methods of Construction, we have developed a design that will quickly and cost effectively deliver an outstanding space for both patients and clinicians.

“We are extremely proud to be partnering with the health boards to develop this exciting new facility, which represents a major step forward for healthcare in South East Wales."