Sir Bobby’s legacy inspires new cancer institute

A Newcastle-based healthcare project is set to boost cancer research.

Plans have been unveiled for the £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a new research and treatment facility adjacent to the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital. 

Funded by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, officials say the three-storey building will increase clinical trial capacity by 50 per cent over five years and support pioneering cancer research for patients across the North East, north Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

An artist's impression of the proposed Sir Bobby Robson Institute

The project has already secured £20 million from supporters, with a fundraising campaign underway to raise the remaining £10 million. 

Sir Bobby’s son, Mark Robson, is one of 122 Sir Bobby Robson Foundation fundraisers currently preparing for Sunday’s Great North Run and he thinks plans for the new institute will be putting a spring in everyone’s step.

Mark 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.

“The Sir Bobby Robson Institute is only a possibility because of all the fundraising that’s come before and everyone involved with Dad’s Foundation is thrilled we can now share the exciting plans for the institute.

“If we’re successful, it would be a gamechanger in terms of cancer research and treatment in this region.”

Robertson Construction North East is supporting Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through the planning and pre-construction design process, working alongside project partners and P+HS Architects to help bring the building to life.

Neil Kennedy, regional managing director, Robertson Construction North East, said: “This milestone marks the next step in delivering a facility that will have a profound impact on cancer treatment and research across both the North East and globally. 

“Our team has been supporting the Trust with pre-construction and design to make sure it is ready to move seamlessly into delivery if approved. 

“Having already delivered a number of high-quality projects with the Trust, we have seen the positive impact they bring, and I’m confident this proposed project will also make a real difference for patients, staff and the wider community.”

If approved, construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, with the institute scheduled to open in 2028, combining the existing Cancer Trials Research Centre with Newcastle Hospitals’ oncology and haematology research teams.

Mark added: “When Dad launched The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in 2008, it was to raise the money to equip a cancer trials centre, so we’ve come full circle in a way.

“Only this time, because of the support we’ve received over the years, the plans are more ambitious. 

“I know he’d be so thankful and proud of every single fundraiser.

“It meant the world to him to see people fundraising, people wanting to help, and to know that the money donated was going to do something positive for those who came after him and who would also be facing cancer.

“The support for his Foundation has never let up and I’m incredibly touched to know Dad’s name is still associated with life-saving cancer treatment.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →