Plans for £30m Bobby Robson cancer centre

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

- SAM VOLPE

The plans would, as previously reported by The Journal, 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.

£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 Newcastle United’s much-loved former boss Sir Bobby, is one of 122 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.