ICR and Sutton Council call for improved transport infrastructure as Minister for London visits The London Cancer Hub

The London Cancer Hub (artist's impression) 

The Minister for London, Gavin Barwell MP, heard calls for improved public transport in Sutton on a visit to The London Cancer Hub.

During the visit, partners from The London Cancer Hub laid out their ambitious vision to deliver a world-leading life-science campus specialising in academic cancer research, treatment, education and commercial enterprise.

Ideas for improving transport in the borough discussed during the visit included an extension of the existing tram network to the London Cancer Hub site, as well as an improved train service, more buses and better walking and cycling infrastructure.

Mr Barwell, who is also the Government’s Housing and Planning Minister, was hosted by Paul Scully, MP for Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park, along with representatives from The Institute of Cancer Research and Councillor Jayne McCoy, lead Member for Housing, Economy and Business at The London Borough of Sutton.

The group also visited laboratories at the ICR that carry out complex genetic sequencing, and discussed how Government could enhance its support for collaborative research between academic and commercial researchers.

The ICR is a world-leading institute in measures of academic-commercial collaboration, and facilitating academic-industry interactions is a key aim of the emerging Industrial Strategy. As part of MedCity, The London Cancer Hub represents a key mechanism for bringing together researchers in academia and industry to drive economic growth.