Topping out ceremony marks major milestone for Plymouth’s new Community Diagnostic Centre
A topping out ceremony was held yesterday to celebrate the structural completion of the new Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre at Colin Campbell Court.
The ceremony marked the building reaching its highest point, a significant milestone in the delivery of the £22 million project. Staff and representatives involved in the development were joined by colleagues from construction partner BAM, commissioning body NHS England, alongside local MPs and Plymouth City Councillors, to mark the occasion.
The Community Diagnostic Centre 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 Derriford Hospital, the centre will help patients receive faster diagnoses closer to home, reducing waiting times and supporting earlier treatment.
Located in Plymouth’s city centre, the new facility will operate seven days a week. Benefiting from strong transport links and ample nearby parking, it will provide convenient and accessible services for people across the city and the wider region.
Once complete, the facility will play a crucial role in improving access to diagnostic services and delivering better patient outcomes.
Construction of the facility began in March 2025 and is due to open Summer 2026.
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”.
Libby Ryan-Davies, NHS Devon ICB - Chief Strategic Commissioning and Planning Officer and Deputy CEO said: “We’re proud to mark this important milestone in the Community Diagnostic Centre Programme alongside our partners at University Hospitals Plymouth. This new facility represents a significant step forward for diagnostics in Devon, and we commend the dedicated teams who have worked tirelessly to bring it to life. Once complete, Devon will benefit from three CDCs, helping to deliver faster diagnoses for our communities. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the national diagnostics team to further strengthen and expand these vital services.”
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 the city centre, it will help to reduce the pressure on Derriford Hospital and make it much easier for residents to access potentially lifesaving healthcare.
“This will break down barriers to early diagnosis and treatment, helping to make Plymouth a great place to grow up and grow old.”
