• Mayor of London congratulates Sutton on its groundbreaking life science cluster including new school and Tramlink stop

Sutton Council has welcomed news that the Sutton-based Institute of Cancer Research has been ranked the UK’s top research university.

The Times Higher Education league table – viewed as the definitive ranking of universities – placed the ICR first in the UK overall for the impact its research has on society, an endorsement of its track record as the most successful university in the world at discovering new cancer treatments.

The release of the results coincided with a visit today by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to the Sutton institute today.

The Mayor hailed the Institute of Cancer Research as a “creative powerhouse”, while also backing the vision for Sutton for Life on the Belmont site.

The vision would see a partnership with two world-leading organisations in cancer research, education and treatment – The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust – to create a world leading, life science campus specialising in cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, education and biotech production.

The institutions would be joined by a multitude of world leading enterprises, creating a network of 10,000 additional researchers, clinical staff and support staff operating from the site.

A new secondary school is being discussed for the site in 2017 which could be linked to Sutton for Life and specialise in science, creating a huge opportunities for young people.

Sutton Council is also pushing for an extension to the Tramlink from Wimbledon to Sutton which could stop at the Life Science Cluster site.

Ruth Dombey, the Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Sutton’s youngsters, starting at school and going right through to further education and enabling them to build life-long careers.

“Sutton could have something on a par with the very successful technology cluster, Tech City in East London.

“Today Boris Johnson saw why a Tramlink extension to Sutton is so important for our economic growth.

“We want a Tramlink extension to include a stop at the Life Science Cluster site and, given the enthusiasm he has shown for the project, we think the mayor would see the vast potential for the idea.”

At the visit, the Mayor welcomed the Sutton for Life vision and said:

“A new life sciences campus at Sutton would be a real coup for the city and underline our reputation as the place to be for game-changing science.”