A £1 billion proposal to create a global centre for cancer research and treatment in Sutton has reached a major milestone, with a formal planning application submitted by Aviva Capital Partners and developer Socius. The project, known as the London Cancer Hub, will be located next to The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust’s Sutton site, already recognised as a European leader in cancer care.
If approved by Sutton Council—also the landowner—construction will begin in 2025 with the first phase expected to complete by 2028. Designed by architecture firm Gensler, the development will include around 1 million square feet of advanced research and laboratory space, supporting approximately 3,000 new high-skilled jobs in life sciences, R&D, and small-scale manufacturing.
The masterplan includes a mix of large-scale labs for pharmaceutical companies and smaller incubator spaces for startups. It will also feature on-site amenities aimed at attracting talent, such as cafes, restaurants, a pub, creche, and 220 affordable rental homes for key workers.
To engage the local community, the development will include a ‘Learning Lab’—a hub for classrooms and science education spaces designed to inspire young people in Sutton to pursue careers in STEM. Temporary facilities, such as padel courts, will activate the site during early stages of construction. The application is expected to be reviewed by the council in the autumn.
