A CANCER centre, which is to offer radiotherapy and chemotherapy in a new state-of-the art building, could be built on the outskirts of Basingstoke.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the cancer centre, which is being championed by a team from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation trust, is being built to provide life-saving treatments closer to home for patients in North Hampshire.

Vickie Randall, manager of the Ark Cancer Centre Charity, said there are two options for where the £18million centre will be based- near junction 7 of the M3 in Dummer, or at Basingstoke hospital.

Mrs Randall said: “We do not yet know where it will be based, but our preferred location is near junction 7.

“It would be in a field, although obviously we do not yet know which field.”

She said: “If, for whatever reason, that land is not suitable, then Basingstoke hospital is our plan B.

“I don’t know what land at the hospital would be used.

“The land near junction 7 would be the preferred location as it is in the centre of the three hospitals run by the trust.

“Logistically that would be the best option.”

The centre will offer vital treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy alongside palliative care and more general support, including hair care, beauty treatments and financial and employment advice.

Currently, cancer patients have to travel to Guildford or to Southampton to receive radiotherapy, enduring 60-mile round trips, often daily, for up to six weeks.

The Ark Cancer Centre Charity is hoping to raise £5million in fundraising towards the building, while HHFT is footing the bulk of the £18million cost.