Recommendation 5

The Department has secured vital funding for the National Biosecurity Centre at Weybridge, but must manage significant interim risks until the redevelopment is completed in 10 years. The Weybridge facility is a critical national asset for managing threats from animal diseases but is in poor condition with ageing buildings that need major repair and replacement. The government committed £1 billion over the spending review period 2025–26 to 2029–30 to continue the redevelopment of Weybridge. The overall redevelopment programme will be completed in 2034–35 at a total estimated cost of £2.8 billion. APHA has contingency plans to ensure operations are maintained over the 10 years until the redevelopment is completed. It also has the use of its regional laboratories and other laboratories such as the Pirbright Institute. However, APHA acknowledges that managing this process will become more difficult as the Weybridge facility continues to age. Any major failure at Weybridge could mean that APHA is unable to deliver its emergency response during an animal disease outbreak. recommendation Given the strategic importance of the National Biosecurity Centre redevelopment at Weybridge, the Department should publish a 10-year plan against which it should provide the Committee with an annual update on its progress. This should include how interim risks are being managed and mitigated, and any key risks to delivering the redevelopment programme on time and budget.