An innovative new cancer treatment centre is set to be built in Valencia, it has emerged.

The 120 million euros development involves the installation of a proton accelerator system “the size of a football field” and will put the city at the forefront of advanced cancer treatment in Spain, Costa Blanca News reports.

Based at Valencia University, the centre should be completed by 2012 and will provide treatment for approximately 2,000 patients each year, with 200 research scientists employed at the site.

Described as helping to bring about a “cancer treatment revolution” in Europe by Costa Blanca News, the proton accelerator is an advanced form of radio therapy which can destroy cancerous cells without harming healthy tissue in the same area of the body.

A combination of funds from the European Union, Spanish government and local Valencian authority will pay for the centre.

Homes Worldwide recently predicted that Valencia will be one of the most popular areas for property buyers in 2008, partly due to the arrival of the new Formula One track this summer.