A World-leading manufacturer of treatments for cancer and brain disorders has made a “massive investment” with the purchase of a £4.2 million landmark site.

Elekta said it was committed to the area for “many years to come” and had significant plans for the five-acreGateway site in Manor Royal, Crawley.

The land overlooks the roundabout at Fleming Way and London Road and is adjacent to Elekta’s UK head office, which employs 800 people.

Bill Yaeger, executive vice president of Elekta Oncology, said: “We are delighted to be making this massive investment in the local economy.

“We have specific and significant plans for further investment in the site, which will effectively futureproof Elekta’s commitment to Crawley and the South East for many years to come.”

The £4.2 million deal was handled by property adviser Vail Williams and developer of industrial property company Segro.

Thales used to operate at the Gateway site but it has been vacant for five or six years.

Steve Sawyer, executive director Manor Royal Business District, said: “It’s fantastic news. We are privileged to have two of the world’s leading companies in the field of oncology – Elekta and Varian Medical Systems – based in Manor Royal.

“This investment not only secures skills and jobs in the area, it will allow them to develop their successful business here and bring into use a long vacant site at a very prominent location at one of the major entranceways to Manor Royal.

“Elekta invest a lot in their staff, employ skilled people, provide a lot of jobs, invest in research and development, manufacture life-saving equipment, they export, they are committed to the area and are actively engaged in making Manor Royal a better place to do business through the Manor Royal BID (Business Improvement District). They tick all the boxes.”

Jeremy Taylor, chief executive of Gatwick Diamond Business, added: “We are delighted with this news as it is exactly the right investment for such a key site, not just for Manor Royal but for the Gatwick Diamond.

“This should be a landmark development and further reinforces the region’s position as a world-class business destination.”

Last year Elekta won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for international trade.

More than 6,000 hospitals use its services and around 3,500 work for the company worldwide.