Author: Sara

A new community fund has launched to support charities and grassroots organisations across Sutton, helping ensure local people benefit from the continued growth of the London Cancer District.

The London Cancer District Fund will provide match funding of up to £5,000 per project to not-for-profit organisations based in, or supporting people in, the London Borough of Sutton.

The fund forms part of Aviva Capital Partners and Socius’s commitment to expanding the London Cancer District – which recently received planning consent for its next phase of growth.

Supporting the community alongside world-leading science

As the District continues to evolve, the aim is simple: deliver meaningful benefits for local people alongside world-class research and innovation.

Delivered through Crowdfunder and primarily funded by Aviva – with additional contributions from members of the wider London Cancer District professional team – the fund will support projects that:

• Improve health and wellbeing
• Strengthen community connections and local spaces
• Create opportunities for young people
• Inspire interest in science, discovery and innovation

👉 Find out more and apply via Crowdfunder:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/london-cancer-hub

Backing the organisations that make Sutton thrive

The London Cancer District is already one of the UK’s most important centres for cancer research. As investment continues, the Fund is designed to ensure the benefits are shared locally and support the charities and community groups that make a difference every day.

Projects will be selected following an application and assessment process via Crowdfunder, with funding awarded in the coming months.

Alongside this initiative, Community Action Sutton is preparing to launch a separate Healthy Lifestyle Fund in early March, funded by Sutton Council, offering further opportunities for local organisations.

The London Cancer District is pleased to welcome Professor Paul Workman OBE, internationally recognised leader in Cancer Therapeutics and former CEO of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), for a special Lunch & Learn session on Tuesday 24 March.

Taking place at the Visitors Suite, Innovation Gateway, this event will offer attendees the chance to hear directly from one of the UK’s most influential voices in cancer research and drug discovery. Professor Workman will share insights into the evolving world of cancer therapeutics, the pioneering work taking place at the Institute of Cancer Research, and the vital role that research and innovation plays in shaping the future of the London Cancer District.

The session is open to Innovation Gateway tenants and the wider London Cancer District community, and will provide an informal opportunity to connect with others working across the ecosystem.

Lunch will be provided – curiosity encouraged.

Event details

📅 Tuesday 24 March
🕛 12:00 – 13:00
📍 Visitors Suite, Innovation Gateway

Spaces are limited and early registration is encouraged.

👉 Register via Eventbrite here.

Plans for the £1 billion expansion of London Cancer District, led by Aviva Capital Partners and development manager Socius, have received consent from Sutton Council. The approved scheme will deliver around 1 million sq ft of state-of-the-art laboratory and research space, unlocking the next phase of growth at the London Cancer District and strengthening the UK’s science and innovation infrastructure.

Planning approval was granted on World Cancer Day (4 February), underlining the urgency of advancing cancer research and treatment. The development will play a vital role in helping the UK tackle future health challenges by providing critical science infrastructure that supports innovation, attracts investment, and accelerates life-saving discoveries.

The approved plans will deliver new laboratory and research space across 12 acres, strengthening the London Cancer Districts’s wider innovation facilities and supporting collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups, scale-ups and global life sciences companies to drive scientific breakthroughs and support emerging businesses.

It is expected to create 3,000 new jobs, the majority in high-skilled R&D and life sciences-related manufacturing. The expansion forms part of the wider London Cancer District and, once the full district is realised, is expected to support around 13,000 jobs in total and contribute an estimated £1.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, according to analysis by the London Borough of Sutton.[1]

The wider London Cancer District is already home to internationally renowned institutions including The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Innovation Gateway, which supports early-stage life sciences companies. Together, these assets form a globally recognised cluster for cancer research, treatment and commercialisation, helping translate scientific discovery into clinical impact.

Designed to the highest environmental standards, the new buildings will target net-zero carbon in operation and deliver the amenities and public realm expected of a world-leading employment district, including affordable homes for approximately 220 key workers and new public spaces designed to support wellbeing, collaboration and community.

The London Cancer District is recognised as nationally significant science infrastructure, aligned with government ambitions to position the UK as a global leader in life sciences and health innovation. Recognised in the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan as a key engine for frontier innovation, the project will deliver significant economic benefits, creating high-skilled jobs and drawing international investment into the UK’s life sciences sector. The project, designed by Gensler, won the New London Architecture Award 2025 for Healthcare and Life Sciences, recognised for its transformative mixed-use masterplan creating a vibrant, science-led district in Sutton, blending world-class research, labs and community spaces.

Sophie White, Sector Head Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said:

“We’re delighted to secure planning consent for the London Cancer District – a landmark moment for this scheme. This development will deliver critical science infrastructure for the UK, helping the UK get ready 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, said:

“The London Cancer District 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 Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden, and our partners, we are delivering a world class environment that will support businesses, attract investment, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

Professor 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 District, 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 District 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, said:

“We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for the London Cancer District.

“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 District 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.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, said:

“This is a hugely significant moment for Sutton, London, and the UK life-science sector. The approval for the next stage of the London Cancer District cements Sutton as a leading global destination for cancer drug discovery.

“This landmark development will deliver economic growth, significant health innovations, and tangible benefits for our community, including jobs. I’m immensely proud of the Council’s work in acquiring the land, securing grant funding, and finding partners in Aviva and Socius to deliver this project. Now I look forward to seeing the construction get underway!”

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of Business and Growth, Greater London Authority, said:

“I am thrilled that planning consent has been granted to expand the London Cancer District, enabling the development of this world-leading facility. I have seen first-hand the incredible work that the District delivers, and this expansion will create thousands of jobs, support emerging businesses and attract investment, while driving life-saving scientific research. It will further cement London as a global leader in health and innovation as we continue to build a better, more prosperous capital for everyone.”

ACP and Socius are working with Gensler (architects), Arup (structural engineers) and Savills (planning consultancy) to deliver the development.

[1] The London Cancer Hub – sutton.gov.uk

We are thrilled to celebrate Kindling Bio, one of our fantastic tenants at the Innovation Gateway, for being awarded 1st Prize at Hack4Hope 2025, hosted by the Paris‑Saclay Cancer Cluster (PSCC) in Paris! 🎉

Hack4Hope is an international challenge bringing together innovators, researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to accelerate breakthroughs in childhood cancer research. Kindling Bio stood out from a competitive field of nine finalists, winning first place, prize funding, and strategic support from PSCC – a testament to their innovative work in gene therapy for paediatric cancers.

Dr. Aleck Jones, Co‑founder and CEO of Kindling Bio said “This recognition from Hack4Hope and the Paris‑Saclay Cancer Cluster is hugely meaningful for us as a young company. Engaging with clinicians, patient advocates, and experts across paediatric oncology has strengthened our thinking and sharpened our path forward.” 

We’re incredibly proud to have Kindling Bio as part of our Innovation Gateway community. Their dedication, creativity, and impact-driven approach are exactly what makes our hub such an exciting place for science and innovation.

Well done, Kindling Bio! We look forward to seeing your continued success as you advance new therapies that could change the lives of children with cancer.

We are pleased to welcome ExoNostic to the Innovation Gateway, strengthening our growing community of pioneering life-science companies at the London Cancer District.

ExoNostic is developing next-generation liquid biopsy diagnostics that enable earlier and more accessible disease detection. Their platform applies holistic molecular analysis to small biological samples, generating detailed diagnostic insights that support early cancer detection, treatment monitoring and wider biomarker discovery.

By joining the Innovation Gateway, ExoNostic will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory and office facilities, as well as opportunities to collaborate with world-leading scientists and clinicians across The Institute of Cancer Research.

Space remains available for organisations looking to accelerate innovation in oncology and related fields.

Aviva Capital Partners (“ACP”), Aviva’s in-house capital unit that invests in regeneration and infrastructure, and place-management specialist Populate have secured two new oncology companies as tenants at the Innovation Gateway, a leading life sciences incubator at the heart of the London Cancer District.

Kindling Bio, a start-up focused on developing cancer gene therapies for children, and Beckman Coulter, a leading developer of cancer diagnostics, will base research teams at the Innovation Gateway occupying self-contained lab spaces on a flexible basis. They will join other fast-growing companies including CuResponse, a pioneer in personalised cancer treatments and Vesynta, a spin-out from UCL focused on data-guided precision treatment dosing. The incubator, which provides 3,500 sqft of lab space over two floors, is now at 85% capacity.

Opened in in 2021 by Sutton Council, the Innovation Gateway provides flexible lab space for fast-growing companies adjacent to the world-renowned Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Trust’s Sutton hospital which has the UK’s largest portfolio of cancer clinical trials. ACP has taken on the management of the Innovation Gateway and appointed Populate to oversee the delivery of enhanced facilities including new meeting spaces and a marketing suite.

It forms part of the London Cancer District where plans have been submitted by ACP and Socius for a c. 1 million sqft development of lab and R&D facilities that will enable life sciences companies to work alongside and collaborate with some of the world’s leading cancer researchers and clinicians.

Works are already underway to enhance the existing infrastructure and public realm. A new pocket park has been introduced to provide a green space for staff, patients and visitors to relax and four padel courts, operated by Social Sports Society, are being installed as part of a wellbeing-focused amenity offer to help attract and retain leading companies and talent.

Sophie White, Head of Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners said: “The Innovation Gateway, which provides space for fast-growing oncology companies to collaborate and grow, is a microcosm of what can be achieved at scale at the London Cancer District. Our vision is to help the UK get ready for the future by delivering best-in-class lab and R&D space of all sizes that will enable life sciences companies to work closely with The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundational Trust, and unlock further innovation in cancer treatment.”

Olaide Oboh, Managing Director, Populate added: “The Innovation Gateway is at the heart of the ecosystem at the London Cancer District and we are proud to be working with Aviva Capital Partners to provide a launchpad for fast-growing businesses in the oncology space. The workspace is vital but we are equally focused on the spaces between the buildings, and how we can create a more connected and inclusive district where people want to work, meet, socialise and share ideas.”

Jeff Drew, Co-Founder at Kindling Bio, said: “The Innovation Gateway provides the perfect environment for us to advance our research programme, offering flexible and affordable lab space as well as the opportunity to access specialist equipment and collaborate with researchers and clinicians at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden. We are excited to be part of a dynamic and growing research cluster at the London Cancer District.”

Bookings are now open for Sutton’s first-ever padel courts, which will bring lasting benefits to the local area through local job creation, free charity access, discounted resident sessions and youth play programmes.

With construction nearing completion, the new four-court facility, which will launch in October, will be operated by Social Sports Society. The courts will transform a previously unused corner of the London Cancer District site into a vibrant destination for sport and wellbeing.

Working in partnership with Aviva, Socius and Populate, the courts activate unused space within the District and form part of the wider £1 billion vision to create a world-leading district for cancer research in the heart of Sutton.

The plan for the courts, which received planning approval from Sutton Council earlier in the year, was shaped by feedback from more than 4,500 residents, gathered through extensive community engagement. Led by Meeting Place, the public consultations revealed a strong appetite for accessible health and leisure amenities, a demand which this new facility seeks to address.

Joss Taylor is Head of Activation at Populate, a company which helps investors to maximise the potential and social value from their buildings and spaces.

Commenting on the padel courts, Joss said: “Public feedback has been at the heart of shaping this initiative and these new courts directly respond to calls for more on-site amenities.

“The facility will bring a wide range of health benefits and youth coaching opportunities for people from across Sutton and beyond, all within a space that had previously been unused.”

Discounted court rates will be offered for London Cancer District staff and those living close to the site. In addition, a total of 40 hours of free court time will be guaranteed each week for local students and charitable organisations, of which, 10 hours will be provided for Harris Academy students to use.

Joe Cutress, Director of Sport at Harris Academy Sutton, said: “We’re just as excited as the students to get out on the new courts and play padel, which will be a fantastic addition to our sports provision. Compared to other PE Departments in the Borough, we’ve pulled the short straw with no green space, so we’re always looking for new and engaging ways to inspire students to be active. Padel fits the bill perfectly. Having played, I’m not surprised by its growing popularity.

“To have this built on the doorstep is a fantastic opportunity for our students, who can’t wait to take advantage of our dedicated hours and would love the opportunity to use the courts more frequently. We’re proud to be part of a project that enhances sporting opportunities and supports the health and wellbeing of our children and the local community.”

Keith Kehoe has been appointed as the facility’s General Manager and will oversee its day-to-day operations. He commented: “The facility offers a fun, inclusive way for residents and visitors to stay active and connected. Whether players are receiving treatment at London Cancer District or studying and working here, we really want these courts to become a welcoming hub where people can get together whilst improving their health and wellbeing.”

The courts are now open for bookings, with play available from 1 October 2025. Residents with proof of a local postcode, alongside London Cancer District staff and patients, are eligible for discounted rates, which can be accessed via the online booking portal

Budding players are now able to book a court and coaching by downloading the Playtomic booking app and using the club search function to select ‘S3 Padel Sutton’: https://app.playtomic.com/?utm_source=web-2025

To learn more about the discount available to staff, patients and residents, please email: keith@socialsportssociety.com

The temporary facility, which will be in place for up to seven years, is designed to evolve alongside the wider, long-term development of the London Cancer District and is built from sustainable materials, including reclaimed wood.

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.”