Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre: Delivering Sustainable Healthcare Design

Completed in April 2026, the Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is a landmark healthcare development that demonstrates how innovative design, modern construction methods and sustainable specification can support the NHS’s long-term environmental ambitions.

Located on the former Colin Campbell Court site, the four-storey facility was designed by KTA Architects and delivered by BAM Construction. Providing state-of-the-art diagnostic services closer to local communities, the centre forms part of the national Community Diagnostic Centre programme established following Professor Sir Mike Richards’ 2020 report, Diagnostics: Recovery and Renewal, which highlighted the need for increased diagnostic capacity across the NHS.

By separating diagnostic services from acute hospital environments, centres such as Plymouth CDC help reduce pressure on hospitals, minimise appointment cancellations caused by urgent care demands and provide a more accessible and convenient patient experience. The building comprises three occupied floors dedicated to diagnostic services, with a plant level above housing the majority of mechanical and electrical equipment. A rooftop solar photovoltaic array further contributes to the building’s environmental performance and energy efficiency.

A defining feature of the development is its distinctive façade, which incorporates approximately 1,930m² of Swisspearl Patina Original NXT fibre cement panels. Specified in a carefully selected palette of P020, P545 and P313, the façade creates a bold yet refined architectural identity that reflects the building’s advanced healthcare function while responding sensitively to its urban surroundings.

Commenting on the specification, Andrew Morris, Associate Architect at KTA Architects, said: “Although budget constraints meant the project was unable to achieve a fully net-zero-carbon outcome, sustainability remained a key consideration throughout the design process. Swisspearl Patina Original NXT was selected not only for its contemporary aesthetic and durability, but also for its contribution to our wider environmental aspirations. Its long service life, low maintenance requirements, and high-quality finish made it an excellent choice for a building intended to serve the community for decades to come.”

Working closely with KTA Architects and the wider project team, Swisspearl helped deliver a façade solution that balances aesthetics, performance and environmental responsibility. The carefully detailed exterior contributes significantly to the building’s identity while supporting the project’s broader sustainability aspirations.

The Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre stands as an exemplar of collaborative healthcare design. Through the combined expertise of KTA Architects, BAM Construction and Swisspearl UK, the development delivers an efficient, patient-centred facility that enhances local healthcare provision while demonstrating how sustainable design principles can be successfully integrated into modern healthcare infrastructure.