Sutton Council's Strategy and Resources Committee has received an update on the progress of the London Cancer Hub initiative, a significant development aimed at fostering cancer research and treatment innovation.
The committee was briefed on key milestones achieved, including the establishment of innovation gateways and ongoing transport improvements. The site is showing visible progress, with unused hospital buildings having been cleared. Councillors agreed to changes to the south boundary of the land leased to the capital partners, a move intended to facilitate the project's progression while preserving flexibility for residents.
Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, introduced the update, highlighting the once in a generation opportunity
this development represents for Sutton. She noted that the project is a collaboration with a one billion family partnership
and that the capital partners have offered to release an area of land. This land could be used to safeguard future provision and relocation of allotments, should it become necessary for highway network improvements. The London Cancer Hub initiative aims to foster collaboration and innovation in cancer research and treatment.
The meeting indicates that the capital partners for the London Cancer Hub have offered to release an area of land from the developed site which could be used to safeguard a future provision and relocation of allotments. If not required for that purpose, the agreement will include a first refusal for the local capital partners. Any proposals for relocation will be subject to further statutory processes and approvals.
Richard Clifton, Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee, elaborated on the proposed lease changes, explaining that the adjustments to the land area being leased are intended to safeguard future development on the London Cancer Hub site, particularly in relation to potential highway network enhancements. He confirmed that the council would retain ownership of a small parcel of land on the corner of Cotswold Road, adjacent to Harris Academy, which could be used as a public green space or small park in the interim.
Councillor James McDermott-Hill stated that the London Cancer Hub is a world-class research facility
that will bring employment opportunities
to Sutton and the wider region, although specific projected economic figures were not provided.
Councillor Tom Drummond raised questions about the valuation of the land and ensuring value for money, to which it was explained that the terms reflect the reduced parcel size based on the original deal. Councillor James McDermott-Hill proposed an additional resolution for officers to consider options for the meanwhile use of the retained land, including its potential as a park or open space, which was agreed upon.
Read the full update in the London Cancer Hub Update - Report.
