UK's first Covid mega lab for sale

The Rosalind Franklin Laboratory processed up to 8.5 million Covid tests, UKHSA said

The leasehold of the UK's first Covid-19 testing "mega lab" has been put up for sale, the BBC has learned.

The Rosalind Franklin Laboratory in Leamington Spa opened in June 2021 but stopped processing tests in January.

It is understood the NHS Test and trace facility on Juno Drive, converted from a disused warehouse, has so far cost £455m.

Warwick and Leamington Labour MP Matt Western said the sale was a "colossal waste by the government" and called for a full inquiry.

An online estate agent brochure explains to prospective buyers the site provides state-of-the-art lab lines with facilities capable of containing high levels of virus or pathogens.

Up to 236,200 sq ft (21,950 sq m) of space is available, including a canteen, locker rooms and warehouse loading docks.

About 600 workers were let go in January

The price was not revealed to the BBC, but is available on application.

When the site first opened it was suggested up to 1,500 jobs would be created, processing up to 300,000 tests a day, but this never happened.

Temporary staff employed at the site were let go earlier this year, with the last day of testing on 16 January.

Mr Western said he was "furious" the building was being sold and that the government had "misled" the public about its long-term future.

"The real concern to the public is that this was a huge investment by the government," he said.

"We were told that even beyond the pandemic it would have use, a function as a diagnostic testing centre for cancer, cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases and here we are such a short period after and they’re already trying to dispose of it on the quiet."

Commercial real estate firm Avison Young said the facility was being marketed to occupiers within the life sciences sector

He called for an inquiry and said he would be putting questions about where proceeds of the sale would go directly to Secretary of State for Health Steve Barclay.

However, commercial real estate firm Avison Young said the facility provided an opportunity for businesses to "fill supply gaps" in the life sciences sector, in areas such as precision medicine, diagnostic testing or genomic sequencing.

Director Jonathon Lowe said: "We’re very pleased to be working with UKHSA to take the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory into the next stage of its life – unlocking its potential as an enabler of continued innovation for the sector."

Avison Young confirmed the UKHSA was the property's leaseholder and had instructed it to market the site as available on a leasehold basis.

A statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which runs the lab, thanked everyone who helped at the site during the pandemic.

Labour MP Matt Western said he was not clear about the ownership of the building

When asked about its future there was no mention of the current sale, although a spokesperson said the agency would retain specialist equipment for ongoing pandemic preparedness.

Marc Merel, director of testing, added: "[The lab] has played a vital role in helping the nation recover from the pandemic.

“Options are being explored for the best use of the site going forwards while ensuring the best value for taxpayers’ money and an update will be provided in due course."

The agency said it constantly monitored laboratory capacity to ensure there was enough to meet demand.