PHE submits planning application for world-leading science campus in Harlow

PLANS for a world-leading science campus in Harlow are a step further forward after Public Health England submitted a planning application to Harlow District Council following extensive consultation with stakeholders and the local community over the last 18 months.

Made up of more than 3,000 documents and nearly 300 drawings and images, the outline application sets out PHE’s vision for turning the former GlaxoSmithKline site at the Pinnacles Industrial Estate into a centre of excellence for public health research, improvement and protection.

This key milestone follows PHE’s announcement in July that it had acquired the site.

If approved, the plans will see PHE co-locate most of its current facilities at Porton in Wiltshire, Colindale in north London and its central London headquarters to a single, state-of-the-art science campus. PHE Harlow will bring together experts in cancer, mental health, nutrition, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, dementia, infectious diseases, environmental hazards and climate change.

The proposed development is expected to provide a major boost to the local economy with 2,750 staff to be based at the currently vacant site by 2024, with possible future expansion to 3,250. Thousands of construction-related jobs would be created during the development of the site, of which it is hoped a significant number would be recruited locally. Building work is expected to start in 2019 with phased occupation starting in 2021.

To help develop the next generation of scientists and meet its future recruitment needs, PHE will pursue academic and commercial partnerships and work closely with local schools and colleges to offer work experience and apprenticeships. The plans include a large visitor area where school groups and the local community would meet PHE scientists, attend talks, workshops and learn about public health, science and research.

The planning application also includes a Travel and Visitor Plan, which outlines car parking provision and sets out sustainable travel and transport plans for the site. These include shuttle buses to and from Harlow Town railway station as well as car-share and cycle-to-work schemes.

PHE is committed to making Harlow its home and to being a good neighbour. The planning application outlines PHE’s longer term commitments to Harlow, through investment in