Plans for a new cancer centre at Cheltenham General Hospital have been approved by Cheltenham Borough Council.
The £12m facility forms the first phase of a wider programme to transform cancer services at the hospital.
Cheltenham Borough Council gave the green light to the proposed oncology building this month, with the approval formally announced on 24 August.
The new cancer centre is being developed by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as the first phase of a wider transformation of cancer services at the hospital.
The new centre will replace cancer facilities that are more than 25 years old and provide modern clinical and treatment spaces for patients.
It will include space for digital consultations, a dedicated support centre for patients and their families, access to wrap-around support services and therapeutic gardens.
The scheme has been developed following engagement with more than 1,000 patients, carers and members of the public.
Next steps for the new cancer centre
The Trust said the planning approval marks the next stage of the project, with a contractor due to be appointed to work with the project team on the detailed design.
This will include room layouts, interior design, décor and the overall look and feel of the building.
A pipeline notice published by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in May 2025 gave an estimated contract period for the project from October 2025 to September 2028.
However, the Trust's latest project update states that a contractor will be appointed in the coming months to work with the project team on detailed design, indicating that the main construction appointment had not been announced at the time planning permission was confirmed.
The project therefore remains at the design and procurement stage rather than being a construction project currently underway.
£9.8m raised for new centre
The new building is being supported by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity's Big Space Cancer Appeal.
More than £9.8m has now been raised towards the £12m estimated cost of the new build, with more than 10,000 people having donated to the appeal.
The wider fundraising target is £17.5m and includes the second phase of the project, which will upgrade the existing Oncology Centre once the new building has been delivered.
The Trust's March 2026 update reported that £9.7m had been raised towards the £17.5m overall target, before the latest increase to more than £9.8m reported following planning approval.
Second phase to upgrade existing oncology facilities
The new centre forms the first phase of a wider programme to transform cancer services at Cheltenham General Hospital.
Once the new facility is delivered, the existing Oncology Centre will be upgraded as part of the second phase.
The Trust said the overall programme is intended to provide a modern environment for cancer care while responding to rising demand and changing patient needs.
The project has been in development for several years, with the Trust completing its early design phase before submitting the planning application in March 2026.
With planning now approved, the programme will move into detailed design and construction procurement, with the appointment of a contractor the next major step towards delivering the new Gloucestershire Cancer Centre.
