Laing O'Rourke has signed two major contracts with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) worth over £900 million, marking a significant step forward in the redevelopment of the National Biosecurity Centre at Weybridge.

The project, part of the UK's vital scientific infrastructure, will modernise and consolidate the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) campus in Surrey. The centre is one of only 30 specialist biosecurity facilities worldwide and plays a crucial role in protecting people and animals from disease outbreaks.

Awarded under the Crown Commercial Services 'Lot 5' Framework, Laing O'Rourke will finalise the detailed design and deliver two main Science Hub buildings. Pre-construction is expected to begin this summer, with full construction commencing in 2027 and completion anticipated in the mid-2030s.


The highly complex and large-scale programme will make use of Laing O'Rourke's vertically integrated model, with the company delivering substantial parts of the project in-house. This includes piling, geotechnical works, systems integration, and commissioning. Sheppard Robson, Arup and Ramboll have been appointed as design integrator partners to support delivery with their specialist expertise.

The contracts build on Laing O'Rourke's strong track record in the science and research sector, where it has delivered over 300 new-build laboratories in the UK since 2016. These include notable projects such as the Francis Crick Institute in London, the Anne McLaren Building for the University of Cambridge, and the Centre for Virus Research for the University of Glasgow.

Peter Lyons, Managing Director, Europe Hub at Laing O'Rourke, said: "We are proud to have been awarded this flagship contract. It’s another demonstration of the calibre of our people in the science and research sector.

"We are in the unique position of having in-house specialists that gives us the ability to deliver complex projects like this end-to-end.

"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."