Aviva Capital Partners (Aviva) and Socius have appointed built-environment communications agency Meeting Place as social impact and community engagement advisors, for what will become a world leading cancer research district in Sutton, London.

Once complete, The London Cancer Hub will deliver a best-in-class research and treatment facility that will serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, fostering partnerships between research institutions and the local community.

Working in partnership with the London Borough of Sutton, investor Aviva and mixed-use developer Socius have committed to generating significant social impact through the proposed redevelopment of the site.

Meeting Place has developed a bespoke strategy for The London Cancer Hub that considers the local economic, social and environmental needs and aspirations of the local area.

In addition to generating social impact through the scheme’s design, the strategy provides a roadmap in partnering with consultants to deliver social impact as part of their work. Members of the consultant team include global architecture practice Gensler, engineering, design and sustainability firm Arup and the UK’s largest planning consultancy, Savills.

Located within the London, Cambridge and Oxfordshire “Golden Triangle” cluster of world-leading universities, researchers and life sciences companies, The London Cancer Hub will deliver major social and economic benefits for the surrounding area, including thousands of jobs in health, science, education and construction and a significant contribution to the Sutton and UK economy.

Daniel May, Development Director, Socius, said:

“During the tendering process, Meeting Place stood out in what they were able to deliver for The London Cancer Hub. Their engagement-first approach to social impact, with a key focus on partnering with residents and businesses, will be key creating a long-lasting, positive legacy for Sutton.”

“We were particularly impressed with Meeting Place’s own commitments to delivering social impact well beyond their appointed scope of works, including pro-bono work for local organisations and providing work experience opportunities for young people in the Borough.”

George Beard, Deputy Managing Director at Meeting Place, said: 

“We’re grateful for the opportunity Aviva and Socius have given us in supporting such an awe-inspiring project. The strategy developed for The London Cancer Hub will show how developers can truly listen to residents and deliver on-the-ground impact for communities.”

“From addressing mental and physical health needs to tackling child poverty and increasing access to employment and skills training, our strategy will ensure the proposals to create this cutting-edge cancer research facility will deliver for Sutton, the UK and humankind.”