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Dstl: Laboratories

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22787

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the schedule for the construction of the new ‘Ernest Bevin’ laboratory in Porton Down.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The Ernest Bevin Building forms part of Project Andromeda within the National Biosecurity Centre programme at Porton Down.

The project is currently scheduled to enter the concept design phase in FY 2027-28, with construction forecast to commence thereafter with the new facility being completed in the late 2030s. These dates are indicative and remain subject to the ongoing development of the programme in its initial phase.

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