The development aims to expand access to cancer treatment while supporting the long term health and wellbeing of the local community.

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 ongoing need for local healthcare provision.

Meeting rising cancer demand across Leeds and Yorkshire

Across the UK, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer, and around half of all patients are expected to require radiotherapy as part of their treatment. However, 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 and accessible treatment remains high.

Integrated care within historic stadium setting

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.

Mark Middleton, CEO of Icon Group, said the proposal reflected the organisation’s mission to deliver care closely connected to the communities it serves.

‘At Icon, our purpose is to improve access to lifesaving cancer care and to do so in a way that genuinely supports people and communities,’ Mark said.

‘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.’

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, alongside its existing facility in London.

Community leaders back local health investment

Icon has appointed Dame Linda Pollard as strategic advisor to support engagement in Leeds and across the UK. Dame Linda previously served as chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and brings extensive knowledge of the city’s health landscape.

‘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 Pollard said.

‘I’m personally very excited to be part of this announcement. Developments like this, when they are grounded in partnership and shaped by local understanding, can make a real difference for patients and families.

‘I’m pleased to be supporting Icon and Leeds Rhinos who both show a genuine commitment to improving healthcare for the people of Leeds.’

Paul Caddick, chairman of Caddick Group and owner of Leeds Rhinos and AMT Headingley Stadium, said the initiative builds on a longstanding commitment to community wellbeing.

‘AMT Headingley has always been about more than sport. Through the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and our wider work, we already support physical and mental health, inclusion and community resilience across Leeds,’ Paul said.

‘Creating a space for health initiatives that includes cancer care is a natural extension of that commitment and reflects what this site means to the community.’

James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, welcomed the proposals.

‘As a global top three HealthTech hub leading the Government’s flagship health mission, Leeds offers one of the UK’s most interconnected ecosystems. We really welcome the proposals from Icon Group and know their expertise and innovation will strengthen the sector in the city.’

The announcement coincides with a senior visit to Leeds, where Icon Group leadership and consortium partners formally signed an agreement to progress the proposed health initiative at AMT Headingley Stadium.

Further details about the proposed centre will be shared as planning and engagement continue.