The Institute of Cancer Research has welcomed new plans to deliver around one million square feet of state-of-the-art research and laboratory space for life-sciences companies in Sutton, south London, where they will be located next door to our researchers.
Aviva Capital Partners (ACP), Aviva’s in-house capital unit that invests in a range of infrastructure and real estate projects, and mixed-use developer Socius have unveiled plans for a new £1 billion development.
The new development is the latest advance at The London Cancer Hub, a multi-partner project to create a world-leading centre for cancer research, treatment, education and enterprise in Sutton. It aims to bring leading life sciences companies together with academic researchers at the ICR, and clinicians at our hospital partner The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, to drive innovation in cancer research.
The new buildings will range from large-scale facilities for global pharmaceutical and life sciences companies through to smaller, flexible lab and incubator spaces for start-ups, with the capacity to accommodate wet labs, Good Manufacturing Practice facilities, specialist equipment as well as modern office and collaborative workspaces.
The buildings will exceed mandatory sustainability and energy efficiency standards with the aim to achieve net-zero carbon in operation.
New amenities
The development will also deliver vital new amenities to support workers and help attract talent to The London Cancer Hub including restaurants and cafes, a creche and affordable homes for approximately 220 key workers. It will also include a ‘Learning Lab’, comprising classroom and educational spaces to inspire the next generation to pursue a career in science and technology.
The details of the plans are laid out in a planning application submitted to the London Borough of Sutton. You can view them via Sutton Council’s planning portal.
The London Cancer Hub is a multi-partner project to create a world-leading centre for cancer research, treatment, education and enterprise in Sutton. Partners already on site include the ICR and The Royal Marsden, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Maggie’s and local secondary Harris Academy Sutton.
Supporting new jobs and contributing to the economy
The London Cancer Hub was recently named as key district for 'frontier innovation' and as a key driver for London’s economic growth and innovation in London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s London Growth Plan.
The new development aims to support 3,000 new jobs, the majority of which will be in high-skilled R&D and small-scale manufacturing related to life sciences. According to an analysis by London Borough of Sutton, by the time the development is complete the London Cancer Hub will support 13,000 jobs in total and contribute an estimated £1.2 billion per year (Gross Value Added) to the UK economy.
The planning application has been submitted following extensive consultation with the local community. It is expected to be determined in 2025.
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 in Sutton, and we’re hoping that the project will attract a range of companies to locate here alongside us, as well as provide a home for companies that spin out from our science in the 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.”
Investing in world-class research
David Epstein, Managing Director of Aviva Capital Partners, said: “We invest to grow the economy, drive regeneration and create jobs and homes across the UK. We’re delighted to be investing in world-class cancer research in Sutton. As well as helping the UK to grow and get ready for the future, this investment will be a boost for the local area, with thousands of new jobs created.”
Barry Jessup, Managing Director of Socius, said: “There is a unique opportunity at the London Cancer Hub to deliver state-of-the-art lab and research facilities alongside two world-renowned institutions, The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden, to supercharge investment into cancer research. Our plans are not just about delivering new facilities to attract cutting-edge businesses, it is about reorienting the district so there is better connectivity between the buildings, more natural ‘collision points’ and places to meet to drive collaboration and innovation.”
Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, said: "The London Cancer Hub will position Sutton as London's global centre for oncology. Already recognised as a leading life science cluster in the capital, the site's uniqueness lies in its current delivery of world-class cancer research, discoveries, and treatment all within a single location.
“The life science sector and associated development will be pivotal to the future growth of the capital over the coming years as recognised by the Mayor of London’s growth plan that names the London Cancer Hub as the key engine for this growth. The submission of this planning application marks a significant step forward in this exciting development for Sutton and the capital.”
Contact
If you are a company interested in taking space at The London Cancer Hub in future, please email [email protected]. There is also a limited amount of space currently available at the Innovation Gateway, an incubator for small companies in the life sciences that is already home to several companies.