The London Cancer Hub Receives Planning Approval for Major Life-Sciences Expansion in Sutton

The London Cancer Hub Receives Planning Approval for Major Life-Sciences Expansion in Sutton

(IN BRIEF) The Institute of Cancer Research has welcomed Sutton Council’s approval of ambitious plans led by Aviva Capital Partners and Socius to create around one million square feet of new life-sciences research and laboratory space across a 12-acre site at The London Cancer Hub in Sutton, south London. The development will strengthen an already world-class cluster that includes the ICR, The Royal Marsden, and the Innovation Gateway, fostering greater collaboration between academia, industry, and the NHS while supporting start-ups, scale-ups, and global companies. The project is expected to create around 3,000 high-skilled jobs initially and up to 13,000 jobs across the wider district, contributing approximately £1.2 billion in GVA to the UK economy. Senior leaders from the ICR, Aviva Capital Partners, and Socius highlighted that the scheme will accelerate scientific breakthroughs, attract investment and talent, and reinforce the UK’s global leadership in cancer research and life sciences.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 5-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has welcomed the approval of major new development plans that will establish a significant new base for oncology and life-sciences businesses in Sutton, south London. The project, led by a consortium headed by Aviva Capital Partners alongside mixed-use developer Socius, will deliver a large-scale expansion of research and laboratory infrastructure at the heart of The London Cancer Hub.

The approved scheme covers a 12-acre site and will see the construction of multiple multi-storey buildings, providing around one million square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory and research space for life-sciences companies. This development sits within a broader campus that already hosts a substantial portion of the ICR’s research activities and is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading centres for cancer research and innovation.

The London Cancer Hub is a long-standing collaborative partnership involving the ICR, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the London Borough of Sutton, and a growing ecosystem of academic, clinical, and commercial organisations. The site is already home to the Innovation Gateway, which supports early-stage life-sciences companies, and serves as a critical hub for translating scientific discoveries into real-world patient and economic benefits.

With Sutton Council’s approval now secured, the next phase of development is expected to significantly strengthen the Hub’s innovation ecosystem. The expanded facilities are designed to encourage closer collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups, scale-ups, and established global life-sciences firms, accelerating scientific progress and supporting the growth of emerging businesses.

The London Cancer Hub is recognised as a nationally important science infrastructure initiative, aligned with government objectives to position the UK as a global leader in life sciences and health innovation. It has been identified in the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan as a key driver of frontier innovation and regional economic development for south London and Sutton.

According to analysis by Sutton Council, the development is expected to create approximately 3,000 new high-skilled jobs, primarily in research, development, and life-sciences manufacturing. As the wider London Cancer Hub district is fully realised, it is projected to support around 13,000 jobs in total and generate an estimated £1.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) for the UK economy.

Enabling works and initial infrastructure for the first phase of development are expected to commence within weeks, paving the way for the construction of several major life-sciences buildings. In parallel, the ICR is working with partners to redevelop part of an existing laboratory facility to provide near-term accommodation for life-sciences companies. A limited number of laboratories and office spaces are currently available at the Innovation Gateway.

Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of the ICR, welcomed the planning approval, describing it as a pivotal moment for The London Cancer Hub. He emphasised that the development will create a dynamic, globally competitive life-sciences ecosystem in Sutton, attracting innovative companies and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and the NHS. He also highlighted that the project will support the recruitment of top scientific talent and accelerate the translation of research breakthroughs into patient benefit, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in cancer research.

Sophie White, Sector Head of Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, described the planning consent as a landmark achievement, noting that the scheme will deliver essential scientific infrastructure for the UK and create an environment where innovation and lifesaving research can flourish. She underlined the broader global health and economic impact of the project.

Daniel May, Director of Socius, stated that The London Cancer Hub represents more than just physical buildings, characterising it as a catalyst for long-term investment, collaboration, and discovery. He emphasised that working closely with the ICR, The Royal Marsden, and other partners will help create a world-class environment that supports business growth, attracts investment, and ultimately improves outcomes for cancer patients.

Media Contact:

Andy Carr
ICR Business Development Manager
andy.carr@icr.ac.uk

Tel: 0203 437 3502
email: mediaoffice@icr.ac.uk

SOURCE: Institute of Cancer Research