Hundreds flock to Cancer Centre for Open House

A total of 240 people visited the new Cancer Centre at Guy’s as part of the annual Open House London weekend.

More than 750 buildings of architectural interest – many of which are not normally open to the public – opened their doors on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September.

At the Cancer Centre, there were seven tours a day, each lasting around an hour, led by some of the design partners and project managers who offered an insight into the complex thinking, planning and construction behind this new London landmark.

Staff from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation and the design partners including Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Laing O’Rourke, Arup and Stantec helped lead the tours.

Some lucky visitors even enjoyed a tour led by architect Ivan Harbour who designed the building.

This was a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of the Cancer Centre before the first patients are seen in outpatient clinics on Monday 26 September – the first chemotherapy treatment is due to start on Monday 3 October.

Many visitors gave positive feedback about the new Cancer Centre after their tours – this is just a small selection of their comments:

“The Cancer Centre is amazing – so bright and airy.”

“A beautiful building which in itself will help people ‘heal’.”

“An inspirational building that must help people when they are feeling so vulnerable.”

“An excellent tour and great to have the professionals involved with the building on hand to give us a real insight into the development of the philosophy and vision for the centre.”