A TECHNOLOGY hub aimed at developing light-based cancer treatments has moved a step closer.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is working on detailed plans for the National Healthcare Photonics Centre.

CPI, based at NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, says the site will support pioneering medical work by helping firms and universities research and scale-up treatments for ailments such as skin cancer and eye disease, and conditions such as jaundice.

The Northern Echo also understands it could change the way armed forces treat wounds to return personnel to the battlefield faster.

The centre could open in 2018 with construction, subject to planning approval, earmarked to start next summer.

The base is not expected to create scores of immediate jobs, but will instead offer an environment for existing companies, start-up ventures, education institutions and their highly-skilled workers to develop projects.

Bosses, who hope to appoint an architect soon, are now in talks with industry figures to shape the centre’s design, with great focus being placed upon what the building will look like and what equipment is needed to best support companies’ needs.

Dr Arun Harish said the site, funded by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, will allow businesses of all sizes the opportunity to focus on innovation.

Dr Harish, CPI’s head of development for healthcare photonics, said: “The UK has world-class research capabilities in this area.

“However, a key challenge is to reduce the barriers that are preventing early research and inventions from moving beyond the laboratory and into solutions for patients.

“The centre will allow more early-stage companies and small and medium-sized firms to drive forward their innovation and increase their chances of commercialisation.

“This will also stimulate and encourage large companies in the UK to undertake more innovation at reduced risk.”

Dr Harish added the CPI wants the hub to build on the region’s healthcare photonics repute.

The sector includes PolyPhotonix, which is also based on NetPark and has created the Noctura 400 sleep mask.

Officials at the firm say the apparatus can transform eye disease treatment in diabetes sufferers by delivering light therapy during sleep.

Polyphotonix was previously backed by £300,000 funding from Durham County Council to expand its profile in Singapore and the US and complement bases in Belgium, Switzerland and France.