A new biosecurity centre in Essex is set to open, designed to protect the UK from emerging public health threats and boost economic growth.

The centre in Harlow will increase the speed and scale of research into dangerous pathogens and life-saving vaccines, boosting healthcare and economic growth, and protecting UK national security.

Billions of pounds will be invested in the project, including £250 million over this parliament, for research and testing that is currently split across UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sites in Porton Down and Colindale.

When it is complete, the biosecurity centre will be the largest in Europe.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: "This transformational investment in the UK’s national biosecurity will better protect the British public from future health emergencies, boost the life sciences sector and create new jobs.

"COVID-19 taught us how crucial it is to be able to respond quickly to new emerging threats, and the new NBC will allow us to do exactly that - ensuring Britain remains a world leader in pandemic preparedness.

"Harlow will become a scientific hub, with the NBC exploring new ways to treat illnesses, improve people’s health and save more lives.

"By backing innovation, research and life sciences, we will make our NHS fit for the future, and cement the UK as a life sciences superpower as part of our Plan for Change."

Dyfed Alsop, interim UKHSA chief executive, said: "This is fantastic news for the UK and will mean that we can continue to offer the best possible protection for people’s health for generations to come.

"A brand-new facility at Harlow will bring together our world-leading public health science and emergency response capabilities, putting us in a stronger position to protect the public and keep people safe.

"This marks a significant investment in our future, ensuring that the UK remains a world leader in health security and that we are better prepared against a growing range of health threats."