Laboratory strategy programme: next steps marine scientists heading for a new home in Suffolk

A new laboratory complex is being planned at Lowestoft in Suffolk to house the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

Defra's Minister for science, Jeff Rooker, announced today that the aim is to complete the relocation by 2009, helping to guarantee the long-term future of the laboratory which leads research into the marine environment and fish stocks.

The multimillion pound development in Lowestoft is being planned in partnership with Suffolk County Council, Waveney District Council and the East of England Development Agency as part of an Urban Regeneration Programme in the town, which is being co-ordinated by 1st East.

Jeff Rooker said: “We want a cutting-edge new laboratory campus which will enable CEFAS to stay at the forefront of marine research. The agency's work benefits us all by enhancing the environment in our seas, managing their natural resources and protecting us from aquatic contamination.

“As part of Defra's laboratory strategy, this will also help to secure a sustainable future for CEFAS which remains one of our key public-sector partners.

“At the same time the development will help breathe new life into an urban area which will benefit from regeneration.”

CEFAS will now work on more detailed funding and planning arrangements to replace existing sites at Lowestoft and Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, which are not suitable for future needs. The CEFAS laboratory at Weymouth in Dorset is not affected and will remain open.

In a written statement to Parliament today, Jeff Rooker also announced that while CEFAS will remain in the public sector, he will consider giving it a status allowing more flexibility to meet customer needs as it continues to win more business from other clients, both public and private. However, no change in status will be considered until work on the laboratory complex is sufficiently under way.

The full Ministerial statement is on Defra's website at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/ministers/statements/default.asp.

Notes to editors

1. Today's announcement is the latest stage in Defra's Laboratory Strategy Programme which will ensure a long-term sustainable future for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) in order to preserve Defra's access to essential scientific services.

2. Staff and Trade Unions in the Agencies and Defra will be consulted and kept informed as the programme progresses.

3. 1st East is the Urban Regeneration Company for Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.

4. The project is subject to ongoing review under the Office of Government Commerce's Gateway process. At present the project financing is being finalised, the necessary land assembled and the building design team is being appointed.

End

Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development