Aviva Capital Partners (“ACP”), Aviva’s in-house capital unit that invests in a range of infrastructure and real estate projects, and mixed-use developer Socius have unveiled plans for a new £1 billion development to create the world’s leading centre for cancer research and treatment in Sutton, London.
A planning application has been submitted to London Borough of Sutton for the development which will be delivered on a 12-acre site at the London Cancer Hub, adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research, London, one of the world’s leading cancer research organisations, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust’s Sutton site, Europe’s leading centre for cancer treatment.
Working with London Borough of Sutton as the landowner, ACP and Socius plan to deliver c. 1 million sq ft of state-of-the-art research and laboratory space in order to bring leading life sciences companies together with academic researchers and clinicians to drive innovation in cancer research.
The development will support 3,000 new jobs, the majority of which will be in high-skilled R&D and small-scale manufacturing related to life sciences. According to an analysis by London Borough of Sutton, by the time the development is complete the London Cancer Hub will support 13,000 jobs in total and contribute an estimated £1.2 billion per year (Gross Value Added) to the UK economy.
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, Good Manufacturing Practice facilities, specialist equipment as well as modern office and collaborative workspaces. The buildings will exceed mandatory sustainability and energy efficiency standards with the aim to achieve net-zero carbon in operation.
The development will also deliver vital new amenities to support workers and help attract talent to the London Cancer Hub including restaurants and cafes, a creche and affordable homes for approximately 220 key workers. It will also include a ‘Learning Lab’, comprising classroom and educational spaces to inspire the next generation to pursue a career in science and technology.
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.
The planning application has been submitted following extensive consultation with the local community. It is expected to be determined in 2025.
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, said: “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, said: “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.”
Councillor 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.”
Creating a unique ecosystem to drive collaboration and innovation in cancer research
The development will significantly expand the London Cancer Hub and create the space for businesses to work alongside and collaborate with the world’s leading institutions in cancer research and treatment.
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is home to more than 1,000 scientific and professional staff, and includes the state of the art Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, opened in 2021. Over a 100-year history it has been responsible for some of the major breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying the link between cigarette smoke and cancer, and the discovery and characterisation of important cancer genes including the BRCA2 gene which increases a person’s risk of breast and other cancers. The ICR is the most successful academic drug discovery centre worldwide and since 2005 has discovered 21 potential cancer drugs, 13 of which have gone into clinical trials. It currently partners with more than 100 commercial organisations and is a charity and member institution of the University of London.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust sees over 60,000 cancer patients every year and includes the Oak Cancer Centre, the flagship NHS oncology facility opened by HRH Prince William, Prince of Wales in 2023. It also has the largest portfolio of cancer clinical trials in the UK, with over 5,000 patients participating in new studies every year.
The development site also sits next to the Harris Academy, a specialist Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) school; the Innovation Gateway, an incubator space for life sciences companies; and a Maggie’s centre for cancer care.
The plans would create a more connected and inclusive district for cancer research. ACP and Socius will deliver significant improvements to wayfinding and existing road infrastructure as well as create new pedestrian and cycling routes to improve connectivity. The new lab and research facilities will be set around landscaped green space that will serve as a meeting place for staff as well as support the wellbeing and recovery of patients.
ACP and Socius have assembled a world-class team to deliver the development including Gensler (architects), Arup (structural engineers) and Savills (planning consultancy).
Ends
Enquiries:
Aviva
Claire Jermany
+44 (0) 7385 148 681
FTI Consulting
Andrew Scorgie, Natalie Garland-Collins, Sam Purewal
T: +44 (0)20 3727 1000 / M: 07738 198 943
londoncancerhub@fticonsulting.com
About Aviva Capital Partners:
Aviva is the UK's leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. For more details on what we do, our business and how we help our customers, visit our About us section.
Aviva Capital Partners (ACP) is Aviva’s in-house capital unit that utilises the company’s financial strength to invest in a range of infrastructure and real estate projects. For more details on ACP, visit Aviva Capital Partners.
About Socius:
Socius is an impactful developer with £2.5bn development pipeline across the UK’s fastest-growing cities including Bristol, Brighton, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and London. Privately-owned and a certified B Corporation, Socius partners with institutional investors, leading architects and local communities to create inspiring and sustainable places whilst balancing profit and purpose.
For further information please visit Socius.
Socius voluntarily publishes an annual social value report. View the 2024 report.
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