Sutton Council today outlined its vision for a world-leading life science cluster in the Borough that will create new jobs, and educational and training opportunities.
The Sutton for Life initiative aims to harness the strength of two world-leading organisations in cancer research, education and treatment: The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The institutions are co-located with Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The three institutions are located on a 20 hectare site at Belmont, south of Sutton town centre, and share over 100 years of experience of research, development and patient care. Sutton Council’s economic investment arm Opportunity Sutton is working with all three partners to develop a masterplan which outlines the expansion to accommodate a range of health-related and other developments.
The partnership’s vision for Sutton for Life is ambitious and aims to build on the excellence of the existing organisations to deliver world-class, research-led cancer treatment and significant benefits for the local and wider London economy. It includes the possibility of expanding facilities for drug discovery and outpatient cancer care, and creating a new secondary school which could specialise in science. There is the potential to generate more than 3,500 jobs on the site, and more than 700 additional jobs in the local economy.
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden already form one of the world’s leading centres for cancer research and treatment, and the new initiative provides an opportunity to build on that by becoming one of London’s three major life science clusters.
Today’s announcement follows January’s visits by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander and Deputy Mayor of London Kit Malthouse to find out more about the potential life science cluster.
Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:
“A world class life science cluster is a vision that matches our high aspirations for turning Sutton into one of London’s most dynamic and prosperous boroughs.
“It would bring new business, visitors, and employment and training opportunities, as well as having the potential for a new school and new housing.
“This is a very exciting vision to build on Sutton’s proud tradition of healthcare, research and innovation. We look forward to developing a proposal with our partners and local people.”
Professor Alan Ashworth, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“Sutton for Life is a unique opportunity to build on our existing excellence in cancer research and treatment to deliver world-class facilities for drug discovery and patient-centred cancer care for London, at the same time as providing significant benefits for the economy. It is an example of how broad partnership can benefit the community, the London economy and cancer patients.”
Cally Palmer CBE, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“The Royal Marsden is incredibly proud of its reputation as a world leader in cancer research, treatment and care, all of which benefits our many patients from the local community. We are delighted to be a part of the Sutton for Life Partnership, and by so doing, forming a programme that stimulates growth and investment in the Borough, with economic benefits, whilst also supporting our position as world leaders.”
The Masterplan will be developed with the local community and statutory bodies, and partners such as universities, businesses and the third sector to ensure that there is wide ranging support for the plans.
In April 2013 the council took over responsibility for public health in the Borough and it is determined to ensure that residents have access to world class healthcare.