Known as project Oriel, the new 39,500m² hospital will be built near King’s Cross at the site of the former St Pancras Hospital.

Aecom, Penoyre & Prasad and White Atkitekter have produced designs for the new hospital, which will see Moorfields eye hospital on City Road and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology on Bath Street relocate to the purpose-built facility.

Bouygues, ISG, Mace are understood to be firms planning to tender for the project. A winning contractor will be named in September 2021 when the full business case is expected to be approved.

Camden Council is expected to make its decision about the planning application early in the New Year. If Oriel gets approved, the new centre could be open to patients in 2025/26.

Robert Dufton, chief executive at Moorfields Eye Charity, said: “Philanthropy is a key component of the Oriel proposal. In partnership with UCL we are committed to raising £100m in philanthropic support for Oriel.

“The submission of the planning application signals that the new world-leading centre for advancing eye health is moving a step closer towards the delivery stage. Philanthropy will be critical to the realisation of our ambitious plans and we are delighted with the level of interest so far.”