Plans for London Cancer Hub progress as developer calls on Sutton community

Socius, the developer behind proposals for the London Cancer Hub in Sutton, is encouraging local organisations to get involved in initiatives that will benefit the community.

An impact fund set up early in the project has committed 100 hours of local volunteering time, as well as resources and money, to support organisations in the area.

The project team, which includes Aviva Capital Partners, is also providing additional support for young people through 10 weeks of work experience.

Opportunities include placements with architects Gensler and engineering consultants Arup.

As part of the development, the team has recently facilitated workshops with the Sutton Young Commissioners at Sutton Volunteer Centre, students at Harris Academy Sutton, and young adults with Regeneration Brainery, where attendees learned more about careers in science and innovation.

They’ve also committed to improving existing cancer research and treatment as part of their work on the scheme, together raising more than £7,000 through various sporting challenges for The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Daniel May, development director at Socius, said: “Our proposals for London Cancer Hub will deliver more than buildings – we want to ensure a legacy for local people.

“That’s why we’re urging local charities and organisations to get involved in this impact fund and help to deliver initiatives that will be beneficial to the local community.

“Whether this is through school workshops, community gardening, volunteering or pro-bono initiatives, we’re excited to work together so that we leave a positive impact across all stages of development and create meaningful, long-lasting change in Sutton.”

Joanne Sainsbury, director at Arup, added: “The impact fund is an ideal opportunity for the community to engage with the London Cancer Hub’s project team.

“From the earliest stages in the design of the development, we’ve had meaningful conversations, and we’re looking forward to building on these ideas and aspirations for the benefit of the local community.”

Building on the work of the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, the London Cancer Hub is set to deliver a new ecosystem of labs, research and commercial facilities which Socius says will attract researchers and scientists from around the world and accelerate the development of cancer treatments.

With pre-application consultation for the hub now underway, local people have expressed an interest in seeing meanwhile use on the development, including areas for the community to enjoy – which could include padel courts, a microbrewery or a bakery.