Aviva Capital Partners (ACP) and Socius have submitted plans to create a new £1bn centre for cancer research and treatment in Sutton.
The development, which will be delivered on a 12-acre site owned by the London Borough of Sutton at the London Cancer Hub, will provide circa 1m sq ft of state-of-the-art research and laboratory space.
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. The project team for the development includes Gensler, Arup and Savills.
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, added: “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.”
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, added: “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.”
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.”
