Artists Impression of the UKCMRI centre which could be built in Somers Town

A large scientific research centre planned for King’s Cross has been given the go-ahead under the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI) planned for a site behind the British Library on Brill Place will go ahead Chancellor George Osborne has promised.

The centre – a £500 million joint initiative of Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, University College London and the Wellcome Trust – has been confirmed to receive a £220million Government grant while other areas get cut.

Scientists from around the world have backed the project which could bring cures for illnesses like cancer and strokes.

Planning permission is currently being sought for the site from Camden Council.

As well as hundreds of backers, hundreds of opponents have rallied against the scheme.

Many residents in Somers Town have called for the land to be made into housing or park area for residents living there.

They are being backed by local Labour councillor Roger Robinson, several Green Party representatives and Conservative Camden and Barnet London Assembly member, Brian Coleman.

Cllr Coleman, who also sits on Barnet Council said in response to George Osborne’s House of Commons address.

“I am extremely disappointed with the Government’s decision to press ahead with construction of the Centre for Medical Research and Innovation,” he said. “It is the wrong project in the wrong place. I shall seek to do what I can to make sure these plans do not come to fruition.”