Aviva Capital Partners and development manager Socius have secured planning consent for circa 1m sq ft of new research and lab space at the £1bn London Cancer Hub in Sutton.
The approved scheme will unlock the next phase of growth at the hub delivering new laboratory and research space across 12 acres.
The expansion forms part of the wider London Cancer Hub district and, once the full district is built out, it is expected to support around 13,000 jobs and contribute circa £1.2bn in gross value added to the UK economy.
The wider London Cancer Hub district is already home to The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Innovation Gateway, which supports early-stage life sciences companies.
Sophie White, sector head regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “We’re delighted to secure planning consent for the London Cancer Hub – a landmark moment for this scheme. This development will deliver critical science infrastructure for the UK, helping the UK get ready for the future by creating an environment where innovation can flourish and lifesaving research can accelerate. We are proud to play a role in shaping a campus that will have a profound impact on global health, as well as the economy.”
Daniel May, director of Socius, added: “The London Cancer Hub is about more than buildings. We are delivering the next phase of investment into an already world-class cancer district, creating a powerful catalyst for private investment and long-term growth. It’s about creating a vibrant ecosystem where collaboration drives discovery. By working closely with the ICR, The Royal Marsden, and our partners, we are delivering a world class environment that will support businesses, attract investment, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
Kristian Helin, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), said: “We warmly welcome the approval of these ambitious new plans for The London Cancer Hub, a project the ICR has long championed. Their delivery will create a vibrant, globally competitive life sciences facility at our Sutton campus, attracting innovative companies and deepening collaboration between academia, industry and the NHS. This environment will further strengthen our world-leading research and help us attract the very best scientists and students from around the world.
“Overall, these plans will accelerate the translation of pioneering discoveries into patient benefit and establish The London Cancer Hub as a nationally and internationally significant centre for cancer innovation – driving investment, enabling the growth of oncology-focused life-sciences companies, and reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in cancer research and life-sciences.”
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for the London Cancer Hub. A world leading partnership already exists between The Royal Marsden and the Institute of Cancer Research in improving cancer survival globally through research and innovation in cancer care. Partnering with life sciences and Aviva through the London Cancer Hub will have a major impact and benefit for the local community, the country, and for our international collaborations in cancer research. We are thrilled that planning permission has been granted.”
ACP and Socius are working with Gensler, Arup and Savills to deliver the development.
