London Cancer District donates football goals to Harris Academy
The London Cancer District has donated new sports equipment to Sutton’s Harris Academy.
Following the donation from Aviva Capital Partners, the new set of high-quality 5-a-side football goals will benefit hundreds of students each week, providing opportunities for structured physical activity and informal play on the school’s busy multi-use games area.
The donation will support PE lessons across the secondary school; supporting curriculum delivery, break-time activities and occasional use by local community groups.
The donation forms part of London Cancer District’s wider programme of social impact and community support, a range of interventions delivered through the development, which have been designed to improve health, education and wellbeing for residents in and around the Borough.
The news follows the recent planning approval of padel courts at London Cancer District. Operated by Social Sports Society, the new four-court facility will also offer free hours for Harris Academy students to use when it opens later this summer.
Joe Cutress, Director of Sport and Wellbeing at Harris Academy Sutton, welcomed the donation: “We’re grateful for the ongoing support from London Cancer District, Aviva Capital Partners and Socius. With no grass fields on-site, our students rely heavily on the concrete games area for physical activity.
“The goals have been in constant use since the donation, ranging from lively lunchtime matches to structured lessons. Our old goals kept falling down and had become a safety hazard, so having brand new ones helps us to sustain high levels of physical activity. Our students absolutely love their football!”
Daniel May, director at Socius, said: “As a team, we want to create meaningful impact through the spaces we shape. This donation is an example of how we can build deeper ties with local communities while enhancing opportunities for young people in the area.
“This is the latest in a series of community investments by the team behind London Cancer District, which has included local volunteering, student placements and a grants programme. Aligned with the London Cancer District’s objectives, supporting active, healthy lives is also at the centre of our activation strategy and we’re excited to see how the students will benefit from the donation in the months to come.”
A bold new vision to accelerate South London’s economy, attract new investment, and support more people into well-paid, secure jobs, was launched today by the South London Partnership.
BIG Ambition: South London Growth, unveiled at a launch event in Wimbledon with London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, Howard Dawber, outlines a shared commitment by the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton to deliver long-term, locally driven growth — driving forward sectors such as health and life sciences tech, creative and digital industries, environmental innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Chair of the South London Partnership and Leader of Richmond Council, said:
“Our sub region is already a £38 billion economy, home to more than 1.2 million residents, 55,000 businesses and 550,000 jobs.
“This statement showcases South London’s vital role in generating polycentric growth and the bold ambition that all the South London Partnership leaders share for our places. It focuses on what South London is already doing well and sets a clear direction for the decade ahead.
“South London already has the talent and institutions to be one of the most productive and innovative parts of the country. But we need targeted investment and better connectivity to realise our ambitions for local people and businesses over the next 10 years. Growth can’t just be for the few — we want it to be inclusive, sustainable and built from the ground up,” said Councillor Roberts.
BIG Ambition: South London Growth builds on the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan and makes a strong case for further devolution of funding and powers to support locally led delivery. It sets out clear actions to:
Boost innovation and productivity through stronger links between businesses and universities;
Deliver more high-quality jobs, especially in growing sectors such as life sciences, digital and creative industries, and low-carbon technology;
Improve transport and digital infrastructure and connectivity, with a focus on orbital routes and full fibre;
Support people into work through better coordination of skills, health and employment services;
Promote South London as a destination for investment, enterprise and cultural activity.
Deputy Mayor for Business Howard Dawber welcomed the statement.
“The Mayor and I remain dedicated to working in partnership to ensure the benefits of London’s growth benefits every part of the city — and that together, we can continue building a fairer London for everyone.
“Following the launch of the London Growth Plan earlier this year, I welcome the South London Partnership’s Growth Ambition which sets out a vision that reflects the real strengths of South London – its talent, innovation and potential,” he said.
Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, London’s growth agency, added:
“South London has a vital role to play in the city’s growth over the next ten years. From advancing its global centres for frontier innovation such as Sutton’sLondon Cancer District, to its six universities which produce skilled graduates, the area is helping to shape the city’s future.
“As home to some of London’s largest green spaces, most recognisable historic sites and sporting venues, and thriving high streets, South London possesses a world-class experience economy. A key growth area in the London Growth Plan, we are proud to be part of the effort to develop this sector over the next decade, creating resilient, sustainable, and inclusive growth in South London, as we champion polycentric growth across our city.”
The South London Partnership is now calling on government and investors to match its ambition — by backing key infrastructure projects, investing in people and skills, and supporting innovation across the region.
Councillor Roberts said: “Our boroughs and all our South London strategic partners are working together with a shared sense of commitment. We have a clear vision, we have partners — now we need the backing to make it happen.
“This is South London’s moment. With world-class institutions, a diverse and skilled population, and a strong local economy, we are already at the forefront of innovation, enterprise and sustainable growth.”
Community gardens, sculptures and green trails offer a glimpse of plans to transform world-leading cancer district.
Aviva Capital Partners and Socius have revealed further details behind the green amenities which will underpin the £1 billion development of the London Cancer District.
Pending planning approval, the recently-submitted masterplan outlines ambitions to create a world-leading centre for cancer research, treatment, education and enterprise in Sutton. The plans also reveal how the development partners hope to place ecology, wellbeing and community at the heart of the project.
In response to community feedback, where 53% of surveyed residents expressed a strong desire for more green spaces, the masterplan prioritises pedestrian-friendly and nature-rich environments, supported by adaptable design of the public realm. These spaces will cater for a range of uses, helping to bring people together, build community cohesion and create a dynamic sense of place.
As a central feature, a 2km green leisure trail, roughly equivalent to six laps around a football pitch, will be delivered. Supporting The Royal Marsden’s Physical Activity Strategy, the trail will wind through vibrant public squares and green corridors, encouraging physical activity and offering peaceful spaces for visitors, locals and patients to rest and recover.
In a commitment to the future of the District’s green infrastructure, the masterplan also includes a robust management framework which will ensure biodiversity and landscape features are maintained and monitored for at least 30 years.
Subject to planning permission being granted, the development will see:
More native trees – 167 new trees will be planted across the site, the majority of which will be native and chosen for their ability to support biodiversity and improve air quality. This will help to increase the proportion of native trees across the site from 12% to nearly a third.
Greener connections created – The scheme will incorporate a mix of new habitats, including native hedgerows, wildflower meadows, biodiverse green roofs and living walls. The length of hedgerows will more than triple to improve ecological corridors.
Biodiversity supported in and around the Borough– New habitats within the development will include more spaces for pollinators like bees and butterflies, native woodlands, amphibian and aquatic environments. In partnership with organisations such as Nattergal, the plans will also deliver off-site improvements to restore woodland and wildflower habitats in the London Borough of Sutton and surrounding areas. The combination of the off- and on-site improvements will result in a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain.
Sustainability prioritised – Following the Mayor of London’s Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green, and Be Seen energy hierarchy, the Cancer Hub will incorporate fully-electric systems powered by air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and future-proofed to connect to a district heating network if one comes forward. The overall energy strategy aims to deliver a 33% reduction in regulated carbon emissions, with a £1.5 million carbon offset to support local sustainability initiatives.
More immediate placemaking improvements to the site will come forward in the coming months, ahead of the planning determination. This includes the recently approved plans to create a four-court padel facility, which is due for completion this summer.
In celebration of The London Festival of Architecture in June, the development team have also hosted a series of events and relocated the Moon Bloom sculpture from Sutton’s high street. The sculpture will take pride of place within a newly established community garden on-site at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, which was recently transformed by Socius into a tranquil and welcoming space.
In order to serve a future Specialist Emergency Care Hospital with a road connection that is fit for expected demand, the LCH planning application proposes the relocation of some allotments close to the west site boundary onto the London Cancer District site.
A commitment has been made to re-provide land to accommodate all the displaced allotments on the other side of Cotswold Road on a like-for-like basis, which will be ready for use before any existing plots are disturbed.
Daniel May, Director at Socius, said: “Integrating greenery and nature into our surroundings has a proven benefit of reducing stress, improving mental well-being and aiding recovery. We want to bring that to life here in Sutton, in spaces where people can thrive, whether they’re residents, patients, visitors or employees.”
Joss Taylor is Head of Activation at Populate, a company founded by Socius, which helps investors maximise the potential and social value from their buildings and spaces.
Commenting on London Cancer Hub’s meanwhile use, Joss reflects: “Populate was created to help unlock long-term social and economic value, and it’s been great to make a start on that ambition here in Sutton. As we’ve seen in the new community garden, the Moon Bloom sculpture and plans for temporary padel courts, our early activations have sought to create meaningful, welcoming spaces for everyone.”
The London Cancer District is targeting BREEAM Excellent ratings across all phases and an Urban Greening Factor of 0.48, well above the policy target of 0.3. The design includes passive energy measures, smart building management, and flood and overheating resilience.
Belmont’s first-ever padel facility set to launch this summer
Plans to serve up Belmont’s first padel courts at the London Cancer District have taken a major step forward, following approval from Sutton Council.
The four-court facility will be delivered by Social Sports Society, the operators behind similar successful ventures like Wembley Park Padel. With construction set to begin this month and completion expected by July, the finished courts will transform a currently unused plot within the London Cancer District into a dynamic centre for sport, health and social connection.
The new facility forms part of Aviva Capital Partners and Socius’ wider vision to create a £1 billion world-leading cancer research district.
The plans for the courts respond directly to feedback gathered from over 4,500 local residents and stakeholders during public consultation, with more amenities and recreational spaces identified as key priorities for residents and staff alike.
As well as supporting dozens of local jobs, Social Sports Society has confirmed the facility will provide ten hours of free court access for the community per week, which will include: free play sessions, youth coaching for at-risk groups and partnerships with local schools such as Harris Academy.
As one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, padel blends elements of tennis and squash into a dynamic and inclusive game suitable for all ages and abilities. The fully demountable courts will be made with sustainable materials, including reclaimed wood, with integrated planting complementing the design, enhancing the surrounding landscape and contributing to the temporary facility’s low-impact footprint.
The courts will remain in place for up to seven years as a temporary feature, with a flexible design that allows for relocation or adaptation in line with the evolving development of the London Cancer District.
Tom Rooney, CEO of Social Sports Society, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured planning approval to bring padel to Belmont for the first time. With demand for padel growing rapidly, this project will help to deliver real benefits for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors alike, bringing the community together in an inclusive space for all ages and abilities to enjoy.”
Joss Taylor is Head of Activation at Populate, a company founded by Socius, which helps investors maximise the potential and social value from their buildings and spaces.
Commenting on the padel plans, Joss said: “Public feedback has been at the heart of shaping this initiative. Throughout our consultation, a significant number of local residents and staff called for more on-site amenities. These new courts directly respond to that request.
“The facility will provide a wide range of health benefits, coaching opportunities and offer free sessions for local pupils and underrepresented groups. Taken together, it will help to reduce social isolation and strengthen community bonds in what was until recently a vacant space. We look forward to sharing more updates – and hopefully enjoying some strawberries and cream in true Wimbledon-style at the launch event!”
Sophie White, Sector Head for Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said:“We’re focused on investing to grow the economy, drive regeneration and support the creation of jobs and homes across the UK; objectives which align closely with our investment in Sutton. The new padel facility is an early example of how The London Cancer District will deliver lasting benefits to the local community. Subject to planning permission, it will sit alongside a world-class research centre which will position the UK at the forefront of cancer innovation.”
