Public Health England clears major milestone in plans to create new £450million campus in Essex.

PUBLIC Health England has passed another significant milestone in its plans to create a £450 million world-leading public health science campus at Harlow.

A new agreement has been signed between PHE and Harlow District Council and Essex County Council, following the outline planning consent given last December.

That approval was conditional on the legal planning agreement – called a Section 106 agreement – which has been drawn up in a way to confirm PHE’s long term commitment to the town and surrounding area and its determination to be a good neighbour to the local community.

With outline permission, PHE will now submit detailed planning applications for various elements of the campus including the appearance of buildings, means of access, landscaping and the scale of the development.

The campus, which will also be PHE’s headquarters, will boost jobs and early years childcare contributions as well as funding public art.

The Section 106 agreement ensures PHE commits to:

Contributions to early years childcare totalling almost £2 million in a phased process. This will pay for any increased impact of PHE staff moving to Harlow and create additional employment in the area.

The setting up of a local employment group by PHE for key stakeholders, including constructors, Jobcentre Plus and Harlow College, to train local people. This group will act once construction commences and run through to PHE being fully operational.

Developing significant employment opportunities, with construction jobs on the PHE Harlow site being made available to local job seekers.

Working with local school children on a science-themed public art scheme which will add to Harlow’s existing sculpture trail.

PHE’s Deputy Chief Executive Richard Gleave said: “The consent we were given in December was always subject to us signing this section 106 agreement so we are delighted to have reached and passed that milestone.

Richard added: “Ever since we announced we were planning to move to Harlow we have looked at a long term relationship with PHE being at the heart of the Harlow community. We hope the signing of this agreement confirms that commitment.

“It will give a major boost to jobs and training locally and ensure that we cover any impact of our move on early years learning and childcare in the area.

“It is another stepping stone on PHE’s journey to our new public health science campus in Harlow. At the same time the new state-of-the-art facilities will help secure PHE’s role as a global leader in applying cutting-edge science and research to protect and improve the public health through the next generation.”

Brian Keane, Managing Director of Harlow Council, said: “This agreement is great news for Harlow and we are delighted that it will bring a variety of new jobs for local people. The agreement forms a key part of creating Harlow’s tomorrow and is an important element of the regeneration that is planned for the town. We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with PHE.”

Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “PHE’s investment in its new public health science campus recognises the opportunities that Harlow and wider Essex have to offer. This agreement will ensure that, as partners, we work together to make the most of this development to enhance both residents’ and employees’ experience of Harlow.”