National Biosecurity Centre (Weybridge)

Infrastructure and Construction

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: £2.5bn
Published schedule: 01/04/2021 – 30/09/2036
NISTA delivery confidence: GREEN
Senior responsible owner: Colin Dingwall

What the project is for

The National Biosecurity Centre Programme is transforming the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge site, delivering a state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre facility to future proof the UK’s ability to provide essential research, surveillance and outbreak response for a range of animal pathogens, some of which are a threat to humans. It will support UK trade, our food and farming sectors, protect economic growth and the prosperity of the nation.

Departmental delivery commentary

Compared to financial year 24/25 Q4, the NISTA/SRO Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating at 25/26 Q4 increased to GREEN. This reflects the positive progress made over the past 12 months and robustness of arrangements in place which give confidence in the deliverability of the Programme, as evidenced by the GREEN rating achieved through the NISTA Gate 0 Review in March.

Schedule

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the Programme's end-date at 25/26-Q4 remained the same at 30 Sep 2036. This is primarily due to the continued progress made towards developing designs for the future science buildings and preparing the site for the start of their construction in 2027. All critical enabling works are now in contract and works on site are ramping up. A Main Works Contractor for the new science buildings has been appointed, and RIBA 3 designs have been approved. The Programme remains a priority for Defra.

Cost

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the Programme’s departmentally agreed Whole Life Cost at 25/26-Q4 (measured in £m) remained at £2,820M. This is primarily due to continued progress in line with the scope and assumptions that underpin the Programme Business Case approved in December 2024.

Benefits

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the Programme’s departmentally agreed Benefits at 25/26-Q4 (measured in £m) remained at £16,216M. This is primarily due to the benefits identified within the approved Programme Business Case remaining unchanged.