PLANS for a multimillion-pound ‘centre of excellence’ have been unveiled.

Elekta Oncology, a world-leading manufacturer of treatments for cancer and brain disorders, has revealed the first pictures of the new centre.

The head quarters for research and development in Crawley is scheduled to open in 2017 and provide a campus for 900 staff.

Architects’ images reveal for the first time the scale of the plans.

The building has been designed by R H Partnership Architects, based in Brighton, and will feature a modern campus with an atrium, communal areas, a demonstration area and lecture facilities.

The building will also have an environmental focus with electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, extensive landscaping and energy saving features to achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) ‘Very Good’ rating.

Elekta executive vice president Bill Yaeger said: “Our vision for the building is ambitious and R H Partnership has interpreted our vision with precision and creativity.

“You really start to get a sense of what a significant landmark the building will become in Crawley, Gatwick and the West Sussex region.

“This will be a world class campus facility. It’s an incredible opportunity for Crawley and the whole region to celebrate our legacy for innovation and healthcare engineering excellence.

“The building will have massive global significance to the future of radiotherapy and helping us save lives.

“But there will be direct and indirect economic benefits to local individuals and businesses alike.”

The new facility will be built adjacent to the site where the first commercially-produced linear accelerator (LINAC) was invented and made.

GP and TV health editor Dr Hilary Jones, who attended a launch event, said: “I had little appreciation of just what an incredible contribution Crawley has made in the global fight against cancer.

“As a GP I have a professional interest in the latest innovations as we continue to treat patients with this devastating disease. It’s exciting to think that, thanks to Cornerstone, Crawley will be at the forefront of the global future of cancer treatment for many years to come.”