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Oriel
A centre of excellence for eye care, research, and education that will bring the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology under one roof with Moorfields Eye Hospital in St Pancras, Camden.
11 February 2025
Why are we building it?
Moorfields Eye Hospital at City Road was built in an era when long hospital stays were the norm for eye care patients. As innovative research and technologies have advanced, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields’ world-class collaboration has transformed the way eye care is delivered; and the majority of patients are treated in a daycare setting.
Oriel is an eye care, research, and education centre being built in Camden. It’s a joint initiative between Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity that will move services from the current premises near Old Street, Islington to St Pancras, Camden.
What will it do?
The initiative will replace the current buildings with one integrated centre. The new state-of-the-art centre will enable the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields to remain at the forefront of clinical care, research, and education.
Hear how Oriel will enhance collaboration between clinicians and researchers for the benefit of patients in this film by Moorfields Eye Charity.
The partnership between the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields has a cycle of innovation: starting in the lab, considering digital and artificial intelligence innovations, followed by translational research and then delivering treatments to patients in clinics.
The new centre aims to reduce the time taken to implement new treatments and therapies and increase the number of patients taking part in clinical trials, further improving their clinical outcomes.
'Fly through' our new centre
You can view the inside of the new centre in these animations that 'fly you through' different parts of the building. The first animation showcases areas that staff and students will use. The second animation shows a journey to an outpatients department (outpatients services will be located on four floors of the centre). Please note the finishes and furnishings in the animations may differ from the final design.
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'Fly through' staff and student areas of the centre including the rooftop rest area.
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When will it open?
The new centre will open in 2027. All ten levels of the structure have been built and the project is progressing. If you visit the site on St Pancras Way, you will see the exterior facade.
Architects and contractors
Penoyre and Prasad are the appointed architects for Oriel. Bouygues UK are the main contractor. White Arkitekter are interior designers and landscape architects. AECOM are the project lead.