The construction of the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC), led by construction firm Kier and designed by architects AHR, reached a key milestone on Friday, 28 March.
A topping-out ceremony was held for the Emily Siddon Building, which will house the Huddersfield Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC).
The 6,800m² building is set to open in December 2026 and will be home to the UK’s first CDC on a university campus.
It will feature purpose-built diagnostic facilities, including MRI and CT scanners, and will significantly expand local access to vital tests and imaging services.
Due to open in December 2026, the state-of-the-art centre will be the first CDC situated on a UK university campus
The ceremony included a traditional bolt-tightening to mark completion of the highest structural point. Attendees included Catherine Riley, Associate Director of Strategy at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT), University Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan CBE, NHS England Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Professor Mark Radford, and Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal.
Catherine Riley said: “The new Community Diagnostic Centre will bring diagnostic services closer to our communities, making sure people have timely access to tests such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs, all in a convenient location.
“Being in the centre of Huddersfield means that we can give greater choice to our patients and increase the number of tests we carry out. It also means that some people won’t need to come to hospital at all.
“We’re already seeing fantastic outcomes for our patients at our CDC in Halifax, which completes around 1,500 tests a week and has received wonderful feedback.”
The new CDC aims to bring diagnostic services closer to local communities
Professor Cryan added: “It will be very exciting to see this building evolve over the next few months, with the promise that we will soon see and use a facility that is going to add so much to the University, but will also help to make a real difference to health outcomes in the local community as well."
Alongside clinical services, the building will host new teaching facilities developed in partnership with CHFT.
These will support courses in areas such as Diagnostic Radiography and new degree programmes in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, set to launch in September 2025.
Sustainability is a key feature of the Emily Siddon Building
The Emily Siddon Building has been designed with sustainability at its core. It includes 280m² of photovoltaic panels and is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.
The design also aims to meet WELL Platinum standards, with a strong focus on health, well-being, and sustainable construction.
The Huddersfield CDC is part of the Foundations for our Future programme—CHFT’s long-term strategy to transform hospital and community healthcare services across Calderdale and Huddersfield.
Top image: Attendees at the topping out ceremony
