Laing O’Rourke, a construction company based in Dartford, England, has been awarded two contracts worth over £900m ($1.21bn) from the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
These contracts, which are part of the National Biosecurity Centre at Weybridge programme, were awarded under the Crown Commercial Services ‘Lot 5’ Framework.
The National Biosecurity Centre is regarded as an essential part of the UK's scientific infrastructure, designed to protect against disease outbreaks that impact both humans and animals.
The Weybridge project involves the design and construction of two main Science Hub buildings intended to modernise and consolidate the Animal and Plant Health Agency campus.
Preparatory work is expected to commence later this year. This will be followed by construction, which is set to begin in 2027, with completion anticipated in the mid-2030s.
The Weybridge facility is one of only 30 specialist biosecurity centres of its kind worldwide.
Laing O’Rourke Europe hub managing director Peter Lyons said: “As pioneers of modern methods of construction we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in service of humanity and playing our part in the UK government’s growth agenda, this project is a perfect fit for Laing O’Rourke.
“It is great to work with Defra who are champions of a progressive and collaborative procurement approach. The early work we did together will help make sure we can deliver a fantastic project for the UK.”
Laing O’Rourke will leverage its vertically integrated capabilities to manage significant aspects of the project, including systems integration and commissioning. To support these efforts, Laing O’Rourke has partnered with Sheppard Robson, Arup, and Ramboll for their design expertise.
Since 2016, Laing O’Rourke has delivered more than 300 laboratory constructions across the UK. These include the Wellcome Trust's Francis Crick Institute, the University of Cambridge's Anne McLaren Building, and the University of Glasgow's Centre for Virus Research, among others.
Recently, Laing O’Rourke was appointed by National Grid to undertake crucial network upgrade works at the Margam substation in Port Talbot, Wales.
The project involves expanding the existing site with a new 275kV gas-insulated substation that utilises switchgear technology free from sulphur hexafluoride.
