The London Cancer Hub, now ranked as Europe’s leading site for oncology research and treatment, will be at the centre of Sutton’s LFA25 programme.
Sutton Council has confirmed its participation in the 2025 London Festival of Architecture (LFA25), shifting the spotlight from Sutton High Street to the globally significant London Cancer Hub in Belmont. This move builds on the success of the 2024 festival, which engaged communities through the theme of “Reimagine,” celebrating Sutton’s architectural and cultural landscape.
The London Cancer Hub, now ranked as Europe’s leading site for oncology research and treatment, will be at the centre of Sutton’s LFA25 programme. Home to the Institute for Cancer Research, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Maggie’s, Harris Academy Sutton, and the Innovation Gateway, the hub plays a crucial role in advancing life sciences and cancer research. The festival aims to highlight its impact while engaging the community in conversations about its future.
The theme for LFA25, “Voices,” will bring together different perspectives shaping Sutton’s spaces and communities. The programme will provide a platform for local residents, researchers, and stakeholders to share their insights, emphasising the London Cancer Hub’s importance both locally and globally.
The site is currently undergoing a £700 million transformation, led by Aviva Capital Partners and Socius. The investment will turn approximately one million square feet into a world-class life sciences district, positioning Sutton as the largest cancer research hub in the world upon completion.
Cllr Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said: “The London Cancer Hub is a beacon of innovation, and we are proud to showcase it as part of LFA25. This festival is an opportunity to celebrate the groundbreaking work taking place here and ensure that local voices are part of the conversation about its future.”
The 2024 edition of the London Festival of Architecture was a milestone for Sutton, with events across the borough drawing strong community engagement and positive feedback. The festival reinforced a sense of pride among residents and visitors, paving the way for this year’s expanded focus on the London Cancer Hub.
Socius’ new company, Populate, will deliver the LFA25 programme at the London Cancer Hub. Specialising in place management, Populate will work to integrate community voices into the site’s development, ensuring it becomes a vibrant and inclusive space for future generations.
Sutton’s inclusion as an LFA Neighbourhood reflects the borough’s successful track record in regeneration projects and urban development. The council’s partnership with local businesses and organisations such as Oru Sutton, the Really Local Group, and Sutton College contributed to its selection as a host borough.
The London Festival of Architecture runs from 1 June to 30 June and celebrates architectural excellence, community regeneration, and urban innovation. More details about Sutton’s programme at the London Cancer Hub will be available on the festival’s official website.
