DEFRA this week opened the tender process on the £127m redevelopment of its Animal & Plant Healthy Agency (APHA) site in Surrey.

Companies interested are being asked to complete a Soft Market Test questionnaire to establish potential ethical and technical issues surrounding the project, which includes building an in vitro laboratory.

The responses will contribute to the format of the formal procurement process, which is due to start once the government agency has conducted post-questionnaire interviews with potential bidders at the end of April.

APHA’s 87,000 sqm site in Weybridge is the UK’s primary capability for managing the continuously evolving threats posed by the spread of high-risk diseases carried by animals, many of which can have significant impacts on public health, the environment and the economy.

The redevelopment project is being split into two stages:

  1. Demolition to clear the site for the construction of the main laboratory, temporary build and some refurbishment
  2. New build of research facilities and support facilities

And DEFRA has provisionally split the project into four lots:

  1. New build – Two high containment science buildings and associated energy centre
  2. Refurbishment  –  High containment building and associated energy centre
  3. Site Wide Services – Infrastructure projects
  4. Site Wide Rationalisation  – The delivery of all design services for the programme

The site was commissioned for its current purpose in 1917 and has been developed piece-meal over its life.  Some of the remaining buildings are approaching 60 years’ service and 28% of its buildings (by area) are more than 30 years old and nearing the end of their original economic operational lives.

Companies wishing to complete the questionnaire should contact paul.barrett@defra.gov.uk. The deadline for their return is April 2nd.