New Cancer Research and Treatment Center in Development in London

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On May 1, 2025, Aviva Capital Partners and mixed-use developer Socius announced plans for a new £1 billion (US$1.33 billion) investment to create a cancer research and treatment center in Sutton, London. The 12-acre site will be located at the London Cancer Hub next to The Institute of Cancer Research, London and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust’s Sutton site.

The plans are to create approximately 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art research and laboratory space where life sciences companies can come together with academic researchers and clinicians to push cancer research forward. The project is expected to create 3000 new jobs including high-skilled R&D and small-scale manufacturing life sciences positions.This will increase the workforce of the London Cancer Hub to 13,000 and contribute £1.2 billion per year to the economy in the United Kingdom.

“We invest to grow the economy, drive regeneration, and create jobs and homes in the UK,” David Epstein, managing director of Aviva Capital Partners, said in a press release (1). “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.”

The development will feature large-scale facilities, smaller lab and incubator spaces for start-up companies, wet labs, good manufacturing practice facilities, specialist equipment, and office space. In addition, a Learning Lab will include a classroom and education spaces. Amenities will include restaurants, cafes, and affordable housing for workers. Buildings will exceed sustainability and energy efficiency standards with a net-zero carbon goal.

“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,” Barry Jessup, managing director of Socius, said the in the release. “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.”

The new development will expand the London Cancer Hub, which already includes the Institute of Cancer Research, with more than 1000 scientific and profession staff, and the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, which opened in 2021. The Centre has been successful in discovering 21 potential cancer drugs, including 13 that have gone into clinical trials.

“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,” Kristian Helin, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said in the release. “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 expressed support for the new project in the press release. “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,” Palmer stated. “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.”

“The London Cancer Hub will position Sutton as London’s global center for oncology. Already recognized 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,” Councillor Bary Lewis, leader of the London Borough of Sutton, said in the release. “The life science sector and associated development will be pivotal to the future growth of the capital over the coming years as recognized 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 the is exciting development for Sutton and the capital.”

Reference

1. Aviva. Aviva Capital Partners and Socius Submit Plans for £1 Billion Development to Create the World’s Leading Centre for Cancer Research and Treatment. Press Release. May 1, 2025.