ÃÛÌÒAPP

Proposals are taking shape, with the ambition that the new institute would open in 2028, next to the existing Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital.

Construction is being funded by , part of .  With £20million raised already by supporters of the Foundation, a fundraising campaign is set to be launched to raise the final £10million needed for the project.

The facility – which would be called The Sir Bobby Robson Institute – would bring together the current Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care and the hospital’s cancer and blood disorders (oncology and haematology) research team.

The three-storey building would provide more dedicated space to increase the number of clinical research studies taking place, using the latest equipment and technology. 

The much-needed additional capacity would allow a 50% increase in activity, over five years, meaning ÃÛÌÒAPP Hospitals’ specialist cancer research teams could pioneer more ground-breaking innovation in cancer treatment, through accepting a higher number of complex and larger trials. 

While the institute’s catchment area would cover around 3.5million people living in the north east, north Cumbria and north Yorkshire, the work carried out there could benefit cancer patients around the globe.

Commenting on the impact the institute could have, Professor Ruth Plummer, consultant medical oncologist at ÃÛÌÒAPP Hospitals and Director of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, said:

“Demand for more research into new and innovative cancer treatments is rising, globally and locally. 

“At ÃÛÌÒAPP Hospitals we have skilled and experienced teams who are carrying out ground-breaking cancer clinical trials. 

“Over the years, we have become increasingly busy and current space limitations mean our capacity to conduct more trials is becoming restricted, so the team cannot accept some research programmes or requests.

“This new facility would allow us to provide timely access to clinical trials for many more eligible cancer patients, including those who have exhausted all standard treatments. 

“More research trials will inevitably lead to better health outcomes and improve the treatment we are able to provide for cancer patients both now and in the future.”

Teri Bayliss, Director at ÃÛÌÒAPP Hospitals Charity, said “This project is the proud culmination of many years of fundraising by communities, individual donors, corporate organisations and the Robson family. It is inspired by Sir Bobby’s dream when he created his Foundation as part of the Charity, for the people of the North East and Cumbria to have access to world-class cancer treatment.

“We’re looking for one last great effort to raise the final £10m, with £20m already raised. Initially, we’re engaging with potential major funders followed by an exciting community fundraising campaign launching in 2026.

“Cancer trials really do save lives by shaping the global effort to understand and treat cancers. The work of the Institute will play a critical part in this by giving hope to people who may have exhausted existing treatment options.”

Construction on the institute is scheduled to begin spring 2026, with opening planned for 2028.