£20m CDC opens in Scunthorpe

Published: 6-May-2025

A new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has opened in Scunthorpe, designed by Alessandro Caruso Architecture & Interiors in collaboration with Helix CMS

Alessandro Caruso Architecture & Interiors (ACA), a multidisciplinary architectural practice specialising in healthcare, wellbeing, and educational environments, has officially unveiled its latest project in Scunthorpe.

The firm partnered with Helix CMS, a construction management services provider, to deliver the facility.

The Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), commissioned by the North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, marks a significant development in Scunthorpe’s healthcare provision. 

The purpose-built, £20 million facility aims to enhance how local residents access diagnostic services by offering state-of-the-art healthcare amenities within the town centre.

The purpose-built, £20 million facility aims to enhance how local residents access diagnostic services

Completed in 2023, the CDC provides a wide range of diagnostic services, including MRI and CT scanning, ultrasound, X-rays, and blood tests.

The CDC's design seeks to improve accessibility to essential medical services, reducing the need for long hospital visits and making it easier for local people to receive timely care.

ACA’s architectural approach prioritises both physical and emotional wellbeing, with a design inspired by the gentle waveforms of ultrasound tissue harmonic imaging, according to the firm. 

ACA describes the building as having “flowing lines and organic curves to create a calming environment, culminating in a cantilevered terrace with a symbolic tree, representing growth, life, and the vital role of diagnostic technology.”

The scheme is enhanced by landscaping, timber cladding, and external planters to create a sensory and uplifting setting

The scheme is enhanced by landscaping, timber cladding, and external planters to create a sensory and uplifting setting that brings healthcare and nature together in a modern, welcoming environment.

In addition to its clinical benefits, the new CDC contributes to the wider regeneration of Scunthorpe town centre, offering convenient access to vital healthcare services for local residents and supporting broader community wellbeing.

Alex Caruso, Co-Director of ACA, said: “It has been an honour to design Scunthorpe’s new Community Diagnostic Centre. From inception to completion, the space embodies our team’s commitment to blending functionality with compassion. 

“Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure patients feel comforted and cared for, while supporting healthcare professionals to deliver life-changing services efficiently. This building is more than just a facility — it is a beacon of hope and healing for the people of Scunthorpe.”

ACA’s architectural approach prioritises both physical and emotional wellbeing

Mark Pearson, Construction Director at Helix CMS, added: “At Helix CMS, we believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and quality to deliver purpose-driven infrastructure that transforms communities. 

“The success of this project was testament to our partnership with Alessandro Caruso Architects and our delivery partners. We worked closely together, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions to futureproof this development. 

"Quality extends beyond meeting specifications; it’s about creating spaces that enhance lives and communities, from the materials we use to the craftsmanship we employ.”

The project has also gained international recognition, securing a World TAC Design Award for its innovative and compassionate design.

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