Thursday 10 February 2005
On Tuesday February 8th 2005 The Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton, Councillor Tony Brett Young, and Neil Ashley, Deputy Chairman of The Institute of Cancer Research’s Development Board, performed the traditional Topping-Out Ceremony at The Institute’s purpose built Genetic Epidemiology Building, built by Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd.
This project pioneered by The Institute, costing almost £12 million, represents a pivotal moment in the mission to unravel the mystery about the causes of cancer. It will combine the expertise of two world-class research departments – Genetics and Epidemiology. These scientists will work to extend knowledge and understanding of the causes and treatment methods of cancer and bring us closer to answers for future prevention.
Professor Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research states: ‘The creation of this research centre is of huge importance, not only for The Institute, but for the future of cancer research worldwide. It will allow us to undertake large-scale studies on the combined genetic, environmental and life-style causes of key cancer types and enable development of cancer prevention strategies.’
Mark Tant, Managing Director of contractors Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, says: “Being a contractor based locally at Cobham, it's great to be responsible for building such a prestigious and important facility for The Institute of Cancer Research. Reaching the topping out stage means we have now achieved structural completion and I'm delighted with the progress made by the site team so far."
Local dignitaries, leading cancer experts and press attended this key stage in the creation of this exciting new research centre.
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For further information or a photograph please contact:
Victoria Rae or Emma Hayes
The Institute of Cancer Research
Tel: 020 7153 5312
Mobile: 07788427856 or 07956612704
Email: [email protected]
Notes to editors
- Attention Picture-desks: The photograph sent shows the Mayor put the final touch to the structure of The Institute’s prestigious new building, adding the last shovel of gravel to the building’s structure. This act along with the adding of the traditional oil, wine, grain and salt, mark the completion of the external work on the building.
- The Institute of Cancer Research is a centre of excellence with some of the world’s leading scientists working on cutting edge projects. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
- Genetic Epidemiology explores the links between cancer and genetic susceptibility, lifestyle and environment. It requires large-scale studies over a number of years. Cutting edge facilities are needed to manage and store huge quantities of data and genetic samples. The new building will provide space to store one million blood and DNA samples in a nitrogen freezer facility and storage for the accompanying paper records.
- The initial study to be conducted at the new centre will be The Breakthrough Generations Study. This will be researched and funded by The Institute of Cancer Research, in partnership with Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Spanning nearly half a century, the study aims to enrol more than 100,000 UK women aged 18 and over from all walks of life to join the study. The study aims to provide the most detailed information yet on what causes breast cancer and as a result, give an understanding of how the disease can be prevented in the first place.
- With over 9m secured for the project, The Institute of Cancer Research is seeking to raise a further £2.9m from other charitable trusts and individuals to complete the funding and set-up costs.
Willmott Dixon Construction:
- Willmott Dixon operates across England and Wales through its two contracting divisions which are: Willmott Dixon Construction, its general contracting business, and Willmott Dixon Housing, its house building business specialising in the affordable housing sector.
- Willmott Dixon has a workforce of 725 and its annual turnover in 2003 was £332 million. Repeat business with clients from both public and private sectors now account for over 60 per cent of turnover and over 65 per cent of work is secured by means other than lowest price tendering. It is regarded as a market leader in working with clients in a partnering arrangement, with more than £500 million of work already carried out under partnering. With Sir Michael Latham as non-executive deputy chairman, Willmott Dixon continues to progressively reinforce its position as one of the construction industry's leading advocates of partnering. In addition to this, Willmott Dixon is involved in a wide range of initiatives to promote important industry issues such as education and training, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
Please note:
Unfortunately the press office are unable to answer queries from the general public. For general cancer information please refer to The Institute's cancer information page.