Group photo of Youth Council

By Eric White

PUBLIC Health England (PHE) held its first public exhibition last week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (12-14th May), unveiling plans for a £400 million capital investment to create a public health science hub in Harlow.

More than 300 people visited the exhibition at Science Alive at Harlow Leisurezone where staff were on hand to outline PHE’s plans and answer questions.

Amongst those who attended were Harlow MP Robert Halfon, members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Enterprise Zone and the Harlow Civic Society as well as local residents, students, businesses and organisations.

Civic Society

The exhibition included information about PHE itself, the proposals for the vacant GSK site, timescales for the programme, artist impressions on what it could look like and highlighted the job, training and education opportunities it could provide for the town.

Programme Director, Dr Tim Harry said: “The support and interest shown by the Harlow community at the exhibition was extremely encouraging.

“We received valuable feedback from a variety of people that we will definitely be taking on board.

“Everybody’s feedback is important and welcomed, whether it’s positive or about specific concerns people may have.

“PHE wants to build strong relationships with the Harlow community which will last for a very long time.”

Students from Harlow College also attended the exhibition.

Harlow College students

Nineteen-year-old, level 3 BTEC student, Elizabeth Leport, studying an extended diploma in applied science, said: “Having PHE move to Harlow would give me the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship or even a potential job in the area I am currently studying.

“To be able to learn from leading scientists would be a great opportunity.”

Feedback from the exhibition will be reviewed and used to help shape plans going forward.

PHE will hold another public consultation towards the end of the year before applying for planning permission with Harlow Council.

All information from the exhibition, including an online feedback form is available online at www.gov.uk/phe/harlow.

Any community groups, organisations or businesses who would like PHE to come discuss their plans with can contact [email protected]