The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has welcomed the approval of ambitious new plans to create a home for oncology and life-sciences companies in Sutton, south London.
The plans describe the building of several large, multi-story buildings for the life-sciences industry, by a consortium led by Aviva Capital Partners and mixed-use developer Socius.
They will deliver around one million square feet of new, state-of-the-art research and laboratory space across a 12-acre site, at the heart of a wider campus that is already home to a large proportion of the ICR’s research community.
The London Cancer Hub
The London Cancer Hub is a long-running partnership between organisations based across the site in Sutton and the London Borough of Sutton (Sutton Council).
The site is already a globally recognised cluster for cancer research, treatment and commercialisation, helping translate scientific discovery into patient and economic impact.
It is home to internationally renowned institutions including the ICR and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Innovation Gateway, which supports early-stage life sciences companies.
The new plans – now approved by Sutton Council – are set to strengthen The London Cancer Hub’s wider innovation ecosystem and support collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups, scale-ups and global life sciences companies to drive scientific breakthroughs and support emerging businesses.
Economic growth
The London Cancer Hub is recognised as a nationally significant science infrastructure project, aligned with government ambitions to position the UK as a global leader in life sciences and health innovation.
Named in the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan as a key engine for frontier innovation – as well as south London and Sutton regional economic development plans – the project will deliver significant economic benefits, create high-skilled jobs and draw international investment into the UK’s life sciences sector.
It is expected to create 3,000 new jobs, the majority in high-skilled R&D and life sciences-related manufacturing. The expansion forms part of the wider London Cancer Hub district and, once the full district is realised, is expected to support around 13,000 jobs in total and contribute an estimated £1.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, according to analysis by the London Borough of Sutton.
First wave of development
Infrastructure and enabling works for the first wave of development – which includes multiple large life-sciences building – are expected to start within weeks.
The ICR is also currently working with partners on the redevelopment of a section of a large laboratory building as a home for life-sciences companies, available to companies in the shorter term.
In the meantime, there are currently a limited number of laboratories available at the Innovation Gateway, as well as office space.
Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We warmly welcome the approval of these ambitious new plans for The London Cancer Hub, a project the ICR has long championed. Their delivery will create a vibrant, globally competitive life-sciences ecosystem at our Sutton campus, attracting innovative companies and deepening collaboration between academia, industry and the NHS. This environment will further strengthen our world-leading research and help us attract the very best scientists and students from around the world.
“Overall, these plans will accelerate the translation of pioneering discoveries into patient benefit and establish The London Cancer Hub as a nationally and internationally significant centre for cancer innovation – driving investment, enabling the growth of oncology-focused life-sciences companies, and reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in cancer research and life-sciences.”
Creating an environment where innovation can flourish
Sophie White, Sector Head Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said:
"We’re delighted to secure planning consent for the London Cancer Hub – a landmark moment for this scheme. This development will deliver critical science infrastructure for the UK, helping the UK get ready by creating an environment where innovation can flourish and lifesaving research can accelerate. We are proud to play a role in shaping a campus that will have a profound impact on global health, as well as the economy."
Daniel May, Director of Socius said:
"The London Cancer Hub is about more than buildings. We are delivering the next phase of investment into an already world-class cancer district, creating a powerful catalyst for private investment and long-term growth. It’s about creating a vibrant ecosystem where collaboration drives discovery. By working closely with the ICR, The Royal Marsden, and our partners, we are delivering a world‑class environment that will support businesses, attract investment, and ultimately improve patient outcomes."
Contact
To find out more about upcoming space at The London Cancer Hub including at the Innovation Gateway incubator, contact ICR Business Development Manager Andy Carr at [email protected] or [email protected].