Sir Bobby Robson Cancer and Research Centre
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Summary
Innovating cancer research in the North East
The Sir Bobby Robson Institute is a landmark £30 million cancer treatment and research centre at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, designed to pioneer cutting-edge cancer care and significantly expand clinical trial capacity across the North East and beyond. Newcastle City Council has approved the plans for the new institute, which is hoped will become a world-leading facility. Supported by The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and delivered with Robertson Construction North East, the project unites research teams in a state-of-the-art facility, driving innovation and better patient outcomes.
3
storey building
£30 million
project
2418 m2
GIFA
Hexagon-inspired design: celebrating innovation in cancer research
In partnership with P+HS Architects, Robertson has worked with the Trust and charity to create a design inspired by the hexagonal molecular structure of Rubraca, the first “Geordie cancer drug.”
The three-storey facility will be built on a patch of land in the north-east corner of the Freeman Hospital site, next to the Coxlodge Wagonway which currently houses a small car park.
Advancing cancer research through a unified, purpose-built facility
The new institute will unite the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre with the hospital’s cancer and blood disorders research teams in a purpose-built, three-storey facility with advanced technology. This will enable a 50% growth in clinical research activity over five years, supporting more complex, larger trials and delivering benefits for patients regionally and beyond.
Honouring Sir Bobby Robson
The new centre will unite the existing Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, originally opened by the former Newcastle United manager just months before his passing in 2009 with the Freeman’s team focused on cancer and blood disorders research.
Throughout his life, Sir Bobby faced multiple cancer diagnoses and established his foundation in 2008. His initial goal was to raise £500,000 to fund a new cancer drug trials centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.
Procurement route
The project was procured through Procure23. This brings a range of benefits including a focus on spending project budget locally, boosting the economy for the area.
