Image: Concept image of the London Cancer Hub
Life-science companies will have the opportunity to work directly alongside world-class scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, after exciting plans were revealed to create a new innovation centre.
The new plans include laboratories and collaboration space at the heart of The London Cancer Hub – one of the world’s leading cancer-focused life-science districts, and a partnership between the London Borough of Sutton and the ICR.
The development will provide a home for start-ups and spin-outs, as well as potentially satellite bases for larger biotech, med-tech, pharmaceutical and digital or data companies.
Incubator space
The London Borough of Sutton and the ICR are currently working on a plan for the site – which will involve demolishing old buildings and improvements to the public realm as well as the creation of the new incubator space.
The ICR is already one of the world’s leading academic institutions in measures of collaboration with industry, currently working actively with around 100 companies to find new cancer treatments and technologies.
The ICR and the London Borough of Sutton are engaging with companies to work out their needs from the new space, which will guide which facilities will be available for occupiers at the site. Interested companies should contact Business Development Manager Andy Carr.
New developments
The development will offer the opportunity for companies to be amongst the first to establish a new presence at The London Cancer Hub, which is already home to the ICR and which is set for a series of major new developments including a flagship Knowledge Centre.
Other recent developments at The London Cancer Hub include the ongoing building of the ICR’s £75m Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, a new science-specialist school, and a new Maggie’s Centre at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a world-famous cancer hospital which is also a supporting partner in The London Cancer Hub.
The Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery will house the world’s first drug programme to be dedicated to combating cancer evolution and drug resistance.
Find out more
The creation of the incubator space will be a significant step towards realising the vision of The London Cancer Hub, which will create around 13,000 jobs – around 7,000 in life sciences and supporting activities, and 6,200 in the site’s construction.
Investment
It has been made possible by the award of £8.4m in funding from the Strategic Investment Pot, which is overseen by the City of London on behalf of all London Boroughs and promotes economic growth.
Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We’re delighted that this new development will now come forward at The London Cancer Hub. It will offer exciting new opportunities for life-science companies to work on site, directly alongside our scientists, to create new cancer treatments.
“The new incubator space will contain a range of research facilities and collaborative spaces, and will give fledgling and more established life-science companies the chance to develop their ideas in partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer research organisations.”
Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:
“The UK economy faces an unprecedented challenge and an uncertain economic climate as the country begins to recover from the global outbreak of COVID-19 in the short to medium term. Yet the pandemic has highlighted the hugely important work carried out by research scientists. Whilst the challenges for local authorities across the country are stark, emerging intelligence suggests that scientific research and the life sciences are likely to be one of the more resilient sectors of the economy over the next few years.
“As a result of these changes, Sutton Council needs to manage its resources as prudently as possible. At the same time, it is vital that the borough and its communities continue to thrive with new employment opportunities. The direct delivery of this flagship development will help ensure the Council's regeneration ambitions are focused on delivering local benefit.”