Newly released CGIs show future vision for London Cancer District, which once built, will create thousands of jobs and contribute £1.2 billion to the UK economy
Aviva Capital Partners (“ACP”) and Socius have submitted a planning application to Sutton Council for the development of the London Cancer District , which is set to become the world’s leading district for cancer research and treatment.
Situated within Europe’s leading cancer treatment centre, the proposals for the 12-acre site in Belmont sit adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The plans will create approximately 1 million sq ft of additional state-of-the-art lab and research space.
The masterplan includes large-scale facilities for global pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, flexible incubator spaces for start-ups and collaborative office space to bring together researchers, clinicians and innovators in one connected ecosystem to drive forward cancer research breakthroughs.
The development was featured in the Mayor of London and London Councils’ Growth Plan and is forecast to deliver £1.2 billion (Gross Value Added) annually to the UK economy. It is also expected to create 340 jobs per year during construction and 3,000 direct jobs in operation, the majority of which will be in highly-skilled R&D and small-scale manufacturing related to life sciences.
Over the next 30 years, the proposals are also expected to generate £54 million worth of social impact through job creation, health and wellbeing improvements and the delivery of new public amenities.
Building on the world-class research already undertaken by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden, the project is designed to create a more connected and inclusive district for cancer research. Improved wayfinding, upgraded road infrastructure and new pedestrian and cycling routes will link new facilities, green spaces and existing institutions such as the Harris Academy STEM school, The Innovation Gateway incubator and Maggie’s cancer care centre.
Set around landscaped, nature-rich green spaces that promote wellbeing and recovery, the plans will exceed mandatory sustainability and energy efficiency standards and aim to achieve net-zero carbon in operation. The site will also include new restaurants and cafés, a nursery and a dedicated ‘Learning Lab’ with classrooms to inspire young people to pursue careers in science.
To attract and retain talent, 100% affordable accommodation for approximately 220 key workers employed at the London Cancer District and across the wider district are also included as part of the proposals.
The London Cancer District plans have been shaped by extensive public consultation throughout 2024. Feedback from over 4,500 local residents—95% of whom were positive or neutral towards the plans—has helped shape the final proposals.
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.”
Daniel May, Director at Socius, commented: “We are entering a really exciting chapter for the London Cancer District project, which will be a catalyst for driving forward innovation and ultimately, the development of new and improved cancer treatments.
“We are grateful to the thousands of people who participated in last year’s public consultation, the feedback from which we’ve used to ensure the plans reflect local aspirations and deliver the best possible outcome for Sutton.
“Once developed, the London Cancer District has the potential to transform lives, not just locally through new jobs, amenities and key worker accommodation, but also through a collective effort to improve the countless lives across the world affected by cancer.”
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 here at the site we share with our partners in Sutton, and we’re hoping that the project will attract a range of companies to locate here alongside us, as well as providing a home for companies that spin out from our science in future.
“The London Cancer District 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 District 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.”
James Blythe, Managing Director of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is an exciting step forward in bringing together world-class cancer care, life sciences research, and training opportunities. Not only will it boost the local economy, but will help pave the way for us to deliver our plans for improved hospital facilities for local people.”
Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, said: “The London Cancer District 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 District 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.”
A decision on the determination of the application is expected later in 2025, with on-site works scheduled to begin in 2026, subject to approval. ACP and Socius have assembled a world-class team to deliver the development including Gensler (architects), Arup (structural engineers) and Savills (planning consultancy).
