Sheffield Children’s is one step closer to opening the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) – a world-class facility which will revolutionise healthcare for children and young people.

For nearly 150 years, Sheffield Children’s has led the way in care, research, and innovation. The NCCHT will build on this legacy, bringing together experts from healthcare, academia, and industry to create cutting-edge healthcare solutions that improve young lives across the UK and beyond.

To mark the latest milestone in the build, a steel signing ceremony took place at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, delivered in partnership with Henry Boot Construction.

Children and young people were the first to sign the steel frame, writing their hopes for the future of healthcare and symbolising the NCCHT’s mission: advancing healthcare for children, with children.

Sixteen-year-old Aoife McKee, who has cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease, was a key part of the milestone occasion and wrote “Helping children like me” and “Building for brilliance” on the steel frame. Aoife has been receiving care at Sheffield Children’s since she was a toddler and will benefit from the NCCHT’s new state-of-the-art gait and movement facility.

Aoife said: “Signing the steel was so cool because it means my name will be part of the building forever! I’m really excited to come back and check out the centre once it opens.”

Ruth Brown, Chief Executive at Sheffield Children’s said: “We are building on 150 years of Sheffield Children’s to lay a strong foundation for the next 150 years and beyond. I’m incredibly proud that we are working collaboratively – with the ambition that young people truly deserve – to create a world-leading research and technology centre that will help reimagine the future of children’s healthcare. Writing our vision and values into the very fabric of the building is a powerful moment – it shows our commitment to working in exciting new ways whilst staying true to the purpose and principals that have led us here.”

Lee Powell, Managing Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “Although we operate across Yorkshire, the East Midlands, and Teesside, our business was founded in Sheffield and we retain strong roots here. We’re proud to be delivering a world-class facility that will transform children’s healthcare and help create a future where innovation, technology and care combine to improve children’s lives across the UK and beyond. Erecting the steel frame is a significant milestone in the build, and it is fantastic to share this achievement with the young people and partners helping to shape its future.”

The NCCHT has grown from long-standing partnerships across the region, including with the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the NHS.

Collaboration with Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park has been instrumental in turning the vision into reality.

Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “The world’s first National Centre for Child Health Technologies is going to be a complete game changer when it comes to providing the very best in patient care for children and young people.

“Sheffield’s Children’s is famous all over the world and this new facility will add to that reputation as being a leader in treating the next generation. I have been past the site on many occasions and it’s fantastic to see the progress that has already been made on the project. I cannot wait to see that progress continue and the global impact the finished building will have once the doors are open.”

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I want South Yorkshire to be the healthiest region, which means making sure every child has the best possible start in life.

“The work being done by the NCCHT is a huge step in the right direction. Their research will help us make real, lasting improvements to children’s health. That should matter to all of us because healthier children mean a healthier, wealthier and happier South Yorkshire.

“I’m proud we’re leading the way with such an ambitious and innovative project. Seeing the building work underway is not just exciting, it’s a sign of the change we’re making happen. So we can all stay near and go far.”

John Armstrong, Chief Executive at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity said: “I was delighted to represent our charity at the steel signing ceremony alongside the inspiring young people who led the way with their powerful messages.

“To see the first stages of the National Centre for Child Health Technology taking shape is incredibly exciting. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our amazing supporters, Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity is proud to be helping bring this pioneering centre to life, transforming care for children and families for generations to come.”

Sherry Kothari, Chair of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, said: “We’re very much looking forward to the National Centre for Child Health Technology opening its doors at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in 2026. We are proud to be working with Sheffield Children’s to help shift the dial on health inequity by investing in children, who are our future.”

The steel signing ceremony took place as Sheffield Children’s was shortlisted for Trust of the Year at the 2025 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards – one of the most prestigious awards in UK healthcare. This national recognition reflects the care, leadership, partnership and values that run through every service, every ward and every team at Sheffield Children’s, including the NCCHT.

As the build continues, further opportunities will be announced to bring together leading minds in child health, technology, and innovation to continue improving life for children, young people and families.

The NCCHT is set to open in 2026 – a milestone year marking the 150th anniversary of Sheffield Children’s and the 50th anniversary of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.