Vision

Welcome to the Paterson Redevelopment Project website.

We’d like you to read about our plans for a new world-leading cancer centre, which will transform our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Our goal for the Paterson Redevelopment Project is to create a purpose-built home for cancer research in Manchester.

There is a long history of research and new discoveries on The Christie site in Withington.

Over fifty years, the Paterson building became home to top-class research into lung cancer, melanoma, drug discovery and leukaemia.

In 2017, a devastating fire forced the evacuation of the Paterson building and the relocation of scientists and equipment.

In 2018, The Christie, The University of Manchester and Cancer Research UK, announced plans for the future of the Paterson building site. The multi-million pound development will be led by The Christie on behalf of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), an internationally renowned and hugely successful decade-long partnership between The Christie, The University of Manchester and Cancer Research UK.

We need capacity to enable us to re-unite our researchers who have been displaced, and build expert teams of scientists, doctors and other healthcare workers.

We want to attract new talent from all over the world, and work together with other world-leading centres to make a real difference to the lives of people here, and around the globe.

The Proposals

A computer generated image of the replacement building as seen from the junction of Cotton Lane and Wilmslow Road

Our proposals for the Paterson Redevelopment Project will deliver:

A unique opportunity for cancer researchers and clinicians to work side-by-side in one building, understanding and tackling the diversity and complexity of cancer to drive better outcomes for patients with the very latest discoveries and breakthroughs. We call this Team Science.
A top 5 world-class cancer research facility of the highest architectural quality which will contribute to the ongoing physical transformation of The Christie Withington site.
Up to 25,000 square metres of state-of the art research laboratories and write-up space, consultant workspace, a Biological Research unit and ground floor exhibition and education spaces which are essential to the delivery of Team Science.
New areas of public space bringing life to the building’s frontage along Wilmslow Road including a 'Health and Wellbeing Garden' to the South for patient, visitor and public use.
A refreshed Green Travel Plan with a focus on cycling, public transport and new signage and information to encourage sustainable travel solutions for new and returning staff, patients and visitors.
Returning and new staff to support local spend including contributing to the regeneration of Withington Village.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Paterson Redevelopment Project (PRP)?

The Paterson Redevelopment Project (PRP) is the name of the project that will see the redevelopment of the former Paterson building on Wilmslow Road into a state of the art research centre.

What happened to the former Paterson building?

In April 2017, the Paterson building was subject to a major fire. Following the fire, a review was undertaken to fully assess the damage caused to the building and consider the future of the site. There is an urgent need to demolish and redevelop the building for The Christie to continue its leading research into the acceleration of cancer treatment.

Planning approval was granted for demolition in January 2019 and clearance works have started on site.

What is happening now?

A planning application is being prepared which includes detailed plans for the new building. We are sharing our plans with the local community during a period of public consultation before a planning application is submitted for determination by Manchester City Council.

What is the ambition of the project?

The ambition for the Paterson Redevelopment Project is to create one of the world’s top centres for cancer research by 2025. In order to achieve our ambition we need a state-of-the-art new building.

What does this mean for cancer patients?

It will bring together world-class clinical and scientific expertise and provide patients with access to the latest personalised and innovative cancer treatments. This should lead to better quality of life and longer survival for people in Greater Manchester and beyond.

Why is this opportunity so unique?

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.

What will the new building be used for?

The new building will be home to research led by The Christie, Cancer Research UK and The University of Manchester, coming together on the site of The Christie.

This research will enable us to improve patient outcomes, including better quality of life and longer survival.

What will be inside the new building?

The new building will need to accommodate a mix of highly-specialised laboratories, consultant space, meeting rooms and circulation areas that allow for practical activity and continuous engagement between staff.

This unique set-up will allow us to attract the best researchers from around the world to help us achieve our ambitions.

What has happened so far?

The project team has been working on a Draft Strategic Planning Framework document for the Paterson site which has been the subject to public consultation during January 2019. This planning document sets out the ambition for the project and defines early design principles for the building. This document and the Consultation Report has been submitted in draft to Manchester City Council. The next step is for MCC’s Executive Committee to consider the draft document and commence a formal stage of public consultation. This process will run alongside the preparation of the detailed planning application.