Vision for Sir Bobby's cancer research centre

FIRST LOOK AT £30M PIONEERING FACILITY AT FREEMAN

- By SAM VOLPE Health reporter

THE first plans for the new £30m Sir Bobby Robson Institute cancer research centre set to be built in Newcastle have been revealed.

The plans would, as previously reported, see a pioneering research and treatment centre built in the grounds of the Freeman Hospital.

The idea is that the new centre would dramatically increase the number of clinical trials available for cancer patients across the North to take part in.

Plans have been submitted for approval by Newcastle City Council's planning committee this week - and if that happens construction could begin in 2026 ahead of a 2028 opening.

More than £20m has already been raised towards the project by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation - which is part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity. A campaign is set to be launched to raise the remaining £10m.

Mark Robson, son of former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby, is one of 122 people preparing to take on the Great North Run this year for the charity.

He said: “I’m looking forward to joining all the Foundation runners on Sunday and I’m sure, for every one of us, news about these plans being submitted will motivate us all the way to South Shields.