£14m investment marks first step towards new London Cancer Hub

An artist's impression of the London Cancer Hub

Ambitions to create the world’s leading hub for cancer research and treatment have taken an important first step forward as the London Borough of Sutton invests £14 million in NHS land needed to develop the site.

Sutton Council has purchased more than 22,000 square metres of land in the first stage of a planned major expansion and redevelopment.

The London Cancer Hub is a partnership between the London Borough of Sutton and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, which seeks to deliver major benefits for cancer patients and the local, London and national economy.

The project has the support of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and the Greater London Authority. The partners have been working closely with the local Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust – owner of a substantial amount of unused land on the site.

Global centre 

The London Cancer Hub is intended to be a global centre for cancer innovation, bringing together scientists, doctors, life-science companies and a new science-specialist school. The project seeks to expand and enhance an existing site in Sutton, South London, which houses ICR and Royal Marsden facilities along with Epsom and St Helier buildings.

Purchasing the land is a key milestone for the project, and clears the way for Sutton Council and its partner, the ICR, to seek a commercial partner to help drive redevelopment of the site. The move is a critical first step in what is eventually expected to be a £1bn project, predominantly funded through the private sector.

The London Cancer Hub plans eventually to cover 265,000 square metres, doubling the space available on the site for cancer research, treatment, education and enterprise.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said: “Sutton Council’s investment in The London Cancer Hub demonstrates our commitment to the borough and the future prosperity of local children and families. The London Cancer Hub can become a global centre for cancer innovation, providing state-of-the-art facilities and delivering real benefits for patients. It will create new green spaces, community facilities and well-paid, highly skilled opportunities for local people.”

Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of the ICR, said: “This investment is an important first step towards making The London Cancer Hub a reality. Our ambition is to create a truly world-class cancer research hub, and today’s purchase of land provides the space to expand and enhance life-science facilities on the site.

"I believe The London Cancer Hub can deliver huge benefits for cancer patients, London’s life-science industry, and the wider economy. We are fully committed to our partnership with the London Borough of Sutton to develop The London Cancer Hub, and look forward to working closely together over the coming years.”

Rajesh Agrawal, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, said: “London is at the forefront of scientific innovation and this significant investment marks a major move forward towards the creation of a world-leading cancer hub.

"Given the presence of so many first-class universities and research institutions, not to mention our history of groundbreaking medical advances, it’s no wonder such a facility should be based in the capital. This is further evidence that London is open for business and open to talent in these sectors.”

Find out more about The London Cancer Hub at www.londoncancerhub.org

Read the London Cancer Hub development framework