BAM tops out Plymouth’s new Community Diagnostic Centre
BAM tops out Plymouth’s new Community Diagnostic Centre
BAM has marked a major milestone in the delivery of Plymouth’s new £22 million Community Diagnostic Centre, with a topping out ceremony to celebrate the building reaching its highest point.
Once complete, the facility will play a crucial role in improving access to diagnostic services in Plymouth and delivering better patient outcomes.
Community Diagnostic Centres are standalone facilities that provide a wide range of diagnostic tests, outside of traditional hospital environments. The concept was born out of the 2020 Richards Report, which recommended the creation of CDCs to address diagnostic delays and improve early detection of disease.
The Community Diagnostic Centre in Plymouth will provide a wide range of vital diagnostic tests, scans, and checks including CT, MRI scans, X-rays and ultrasounds in a convenient community-based setting. By offering these services outside of the hospital setting, the centre will help patients receive faster diagnoses closer to home, reducing waiting times and supporting earlier treatment.
BAM were joined on site by partners from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, commissioning body NHS England, local MPs and Plymouth City Councillors.
Andy Syddall, Construction Manager at BAM, said: “BAM is currently delivering a number of Community Diagnostic Centres across the UK. Each one is designed around the needs of patients and staff, ensuring high-quality, accessible facilities that improve health outcomes. We’re proud to bring that expertise to Plymouth, working closely with our partners to create a modern, sustainable centre that will transform access to vital diagnostic services for the community.”
Nicki Collas, Deputy Director of the Future Hospital Programme at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Plymouth City Council and the National Diagnostics Programme to deliver this much-needed facility in the city centre. Not only will this provide an increase in diagnostic testing and improve health outcomes for the community, it will also support the regeneration of Colin Campbell Court and pave the way for further health developments in the future.”
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new Community Diagnostic Centre reach such a significant milestone and I’m thrilled to see it taking shape. This isn’t just a building, it’s a promise to our residents that their health matters. By providing easier access to vital tests right in the heart of our city centre, it will help reduce the pressure on Derriford Hospital and make it much easier for residents to access potentially lifesaving healthcare.”
Construction of the facility began in March 2025 and is progressing on schedule for completion in Spring 2026.
