Plans to create the London Cancer Hub, set to be the world’s leading district for cancer research and treatment submitted to Sutton Council. Once built the new centre will create thousands of jobs and contribute £1.2 billion to the UK economy
Situated within Europe’s leading cancer treatment centre, the proposals for the 12-acre site in Belmont sit adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The plans – submitted by Aviva Capital Partners (ACP) and Socius will create approximately 1 million sq ft of additional state-of-the-art laboratory and research space.
The masterplan includes large-scale facilities for global pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, flexible incubator spaces for start-ups and collaborative office space to bring together researchers, clinicians and innovators in one connected ecosystem to drive forward cancer research breakthroughs.
The development was featured in the Mayor of London and London Councils’ Growth Plan and is forecast to deliver £1.2 billion (Gross Value Added) annually to the UK economy. It is also expected to create 340 jobs per year during construction and 3,000 direct jobs in operation, the majority of which will be in highly-skilled R&D and small-scale manufacturing related to life sciences.
Building on the world-class research already undertaken by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden, the project is designed to create a more connected and inclusive district for cancer research. Improved wayfinding, upgraded road infrastructure and new pedestrian and cycling routes will link new facilities, green spaces and existing institutions such as the Harris Academy STEM school, The Innovation Gateway incubator and Maggie’s cancer care centre.
Set around landscaped, nature-rich green spaces that promote wellbeing and recovery, the plans will exceed mandatory sustainability and energy efficiency standards and aim to achieve net-zero carbon in operation. The site will also include new restaurants and cafés, a nursery and a dedicated ‘Learning Lab’ with classrooms to inspire young people to pursue careers in science.
Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “We’re very pleased to be working with Aviva Capital Partners and Socius on plans to further build the thriving multidisciplinary research district here at the site we share with our partners in Sutton, and we’re hoping that the project will attract a range of companies to locate here alongside us, as well as providing a home for companies that spin out from our science in future. The London Cancer Hub has great potential to enhance our scientific partnerships with companies in the pharmaceutical and broader life-sciences industries, in areas from the discovery and development of new cancer drugs to the creation of new treatment and diagnostic technologies.”
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Royal Marsden’s Sutton site is home to a flourishing research community between The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, that consistently translates innovative ideas in drug discovery from the laboratory to the clinical setting for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide. We support the vision for The London Cancer Hub and the investment from Aviva Capital Partners to bring life sciences industry on to the site. We anticipate this will facilitate greater collaboration and foster an environment of excellence to further our work developing new and improved ways to diagnose, treat and care for our patients.”
A decision on the determination of the application is expected later in 2025, with on-site works scheduled to begin in 2026, subject to approval. ACP and Socius have assembled a world-class team to deliver the development including Gensler (architects), Arup (structural engineers) and Savills (planning consultancy).