Plans put forward for Harlow science hub

Public Health England [PHE] has submitted plans to build a new £400M laboratory after purchasing pharmaceutical company GSK’s vacant site in Harlow, Essex.

PHE will create a centre of excellence for research, health improvement and protection and bring together world-renowned scientists working to protect and improve the health of the nation.

It plans to create a campus where it will re-locate staff and facilities from Porton in Wiltshire and Colindale in north London as well as its headquarters functions from central London.

PHE Deputy Chief Executive Richard Gleave said: “Our move to Harlow will create a world-class science campus for public health, of international significance and real benefits for the local community.

“The decision to buy the site now has been taken after careful consideration of the advantages and represents best value to the British taxpayer. This includes reduced running costs and the ability to carry out a number of further specialist additional surveys which will save us considerable time and money and provide invaluable information for the more detailed design work planned for later in the year.

Councillor Jon Clempner, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “As the town celebrates its 70th birthday, and we look ahead to the next 70 years, this development will play a major part in Harlow’s bright future.

“New jobs and opportunities for local people and local businesses will be created and Harlow will be on the world map, leading the way as the place for protecting and improving lives.”

The project’s plans include new steel-framed buildings and converted laboratories as well as a visitor centre.

It is anticipated that the first staff will move to Harlow in 2021 with the site fully operational by 2024. At that time, up to 2,750 people could be based at the science hub with scope for further expansion to 3,250.