State-of-the-art facility will replace the Paterson Building - which suffered devastating fire damage last year
This is an edited version of a press release distributed by the University of Manchester
A new world-class cancer research facility is to be built at The Christie on the site of the Paterson building - which suffered devastating fire damage in April 2017 displacing over 300 scientists and support staff.
It will integrate researchers and clinicians in a new state-of-the-art building, who will develop new ways to accelerate the adoption of research into the clinic.
This approach will ensure that Manchester remains at the international forefront of research in this field - understanding and tackling the diversity and complexity of cancer to drive better outcomes for patients with the very latest discoveries and breakthroughs.
The multi-million pound development will be led by The Christie on behalf of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), an internationally renowned partnership between The Christie, The University of Manchester and Cancer Research UK.
The partners believe this exciting development embraces a great opportunity to transform the disaster of the Paterson building fire into a bold and exciting future.
"Manchester researchers and scientists in our Institute and Centre have faced a tough 11 months..."
In addition to housing the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the new development will be a major step forward in realising MCRC’s ambition of becoming one of the world’s top five centres for basic, translational and clinical cancer research.
Manchester is already a world scientific lead in cancer biomarkers, the molecular targeting of cancer, early-phase clinical trials and cutting-edge radiotherapy, including the opening of one of only two NHS high energy proton beam therapy centres in the UK later this year.
Roger Spencer, Chief Executive of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for The Christie. We have an opportunity to create a truly unique research centre integrated within the hospital with scientists, researchers and consultants all working together in one place, developing and shaping treatment and research from basic scientific discoveries through to patient care.
Cancer Research UK Chief Executive, Sir Harpal Kumar, said: “Manchester researchers and scientists in our Institute and Centre have faced a tough 11 months following the devastating fire. But we are now delighted to announce proposals to build this state-of-the-art facility which will create exciting opportunities for breakthroughs and future discoveries in cancer research.
Detailed planning for the building is underway with a goal for completion in early 2021.
