Plans unveiled for new cancer centre at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds
Plans have been unveiled for a new cancer centre in Leeds as part of a proposed health initiative at AMT Headingley Stadium.
The centre aims to expand access to cancer treatment and support the long‑term health and wellbeing of the local community.
The spokesman said the proposed Icon Cancer Centre Leeds would form part of a wider health offering at AMT Headingley Stadium, integrating cancer care alongside existing community health, wellbeing and sporting initiatives already delivered at the site.
A spokesman said: “In Leeds alone, around 27,000 people are currently living with or beyond cancer, with more than 4,100 new diagnoses each year. The city has the highest cancer incidence rate in Yorkshire, reflecting its population size, ageing demographics and need for local healthcare.”
"Across the UK, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer, and around half of all cancer patients are expected to require radiotherapy as part of their treatment. Yet access remains a challenge, with many patients travelling long distances for daily appointments. National data shows
that more than one in five people live over 45 minutes’ drive from a radiotherapy centre, rising significantly for those relying on public transport.”
“Leeds is a major regional health hub, supporting patients from across Yorkshire, where someone is diagnosed with cancer every 17 minutes. “While survival outcomes continue to improve, with around 60% of cancers now diagnosed at an early stage nationally – demand for timely, accessible treatment remains high.”
Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM said the proposal reflected Icon’s mission to deliver care that is connected to the communities it serves.
“Being part of a health consideration at AMT Headingley allows us to embed cancer care within a broader ecosystem of health, wellbeing and community support – not as a standalone service, but as part of the fabric of Leeds. This also complements Icon’s strong track-record of being an integral part of communities and forming long-term regional partnerships to enable greater access to world-class care.”
The statement added: “Icon confirmed the centre will house the most advanced radiotherapy technology available – the first-of-its-kind to be implemented in the north of England and only the second in the UK, with the other at Icon Cancer Centre in London.”
Icon has also appointed Dame Linda Pollard as Strategic Advisor to support its engagement in Leeds and across the UK. Dame Linda previously served as Chair of Leeds Hospitals NHS Trust.
“Having been a healthcare decision-maker in Leeds for many years, I know how strong and proud this community is and how important access to timely cancer care is for local people,” Dame Linda said.
Paul Caddick MBE, Chairman of Caddick Group and owner of Leeds Rhinos and AMT Headingley Stadium, said the new health initiative builds on the organisation’s longstanding commitment to community wellbeing.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said: “As a global top three HealthTech hub leading the Government’s flagship health mission, Leeds offers one of the UK’s most interconnected ecosystems."
The spokesman added: “Further details about the proposed centre will be shared as planning and engagement continue.”