Aviva and mixed-use developer Socius have been selected as preferred bidder to deliver a “world leading” district for cancer research and treatment at the London Cancer Hub (LCH) in Sutton, London.
They will work closely with landowner the London Borough of Sutton, the Institute for Cancer Research, London, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust on the multi-phase development, which consists of a 1m sq ft life sciences district on a five hectare site.
Professor Paul Workman, Harrap professor of cancer pharmacology and therapeutics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “We’re confident that new commercial space here at The London Cancer Hub will deliver great benefits – by encouraging innovative collaborations between academics, clinicians, and industry, by facilitating the kinds of breakthroughs that can only come from working across scientific and organisational boundaries, and by providing the new treatments for people with cancer that are so urgently needed.”
Charlotte Jones, chief financial officer at Aviva, added: “Aviva is investing significantly in critical areas of the UK economy such as housing, green energy and healthcare. We are using our capital to generate long term income for our customers and help the UK to grow. The London Cancer Hub will provide world-class cancer research and bolster the UK’s ambition to be a leader in the life sciences sector.”
Barry Jessup, managing director of Socius, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a sustainable campus for excellence in cancer research. Our vision is to build on the ground breaking facilities already provided by Institute for Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital with a new eco-system of labs, R&D and commercial facilities in a campus setting that will attract researchers and scientists from around the world and accelerate the development of ground-breaking cancer treatments. We look forward to working with Aviva, London Borough of Sutton and key local stakeholders to develop our plans for the site.”
Cllr Ruth Dombey OBE, leader of Sutton Council, added: “I’m delighted we have reached this stage in the process and I look forward to completing the deal and seeing the next phase of our ambitions for the London Cancer Hub delivered. The centre will bring many benefits to Sutton, London and the rest of the UK through the creation of high quality jobs, education opportunities and space for growing businesses. It will also make Sutton home to an internationally recognised centre for the treatment and cure of cancer, discovering new drugs and most importantly, saving lives.”
