Proposed location in Leamington revealed for new Covid-19 testing 'mega-lab' - and what it could mean for local businesses and residents

It is believed that the new UK Covid-19 testing 'mega-lab' planned for Leamington will be built in the south of the town.

We reported this morning (Monday) that Leamington has been selected as the home to one of two new 'mega-labs' in the UK for large scale Covid-19 diagnostic testing.

This could create up to 2,000 jobs in the local area.

It is understood that the lab will be built at the old Wolsley buildings off Tachbrook Road/Queensway.

The laboratories will, in the immediate term, be dedicated to Covid-19 testing for the National Testing Programme and when at full capacity, each lab will be able to process up to 300,000 tests a day.

Cllr Jonathan Chilvers, who represents the area where the new testing centre will be built, said he hopes local businesses will benefit from the move - and that 'sensible solutions' will be put forward to potential traffic problems.

He added: "I'm very pleased that the government have chosen South Leamington as the location for one of only two 'mega labs' in the country.

"The lab should create a whole range of jobs for the local economy and we have plenty of skills in our area to fill the roles.

"We'll be pushing to make sure there are opportunities for local suppliers to get work. I also want to see sensible solutions to possible traffic issues.

"Things like free shuttle buses or electric bikes to and from the station or a Park and Ride are obvious choices to make sure we avoid queues."

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Leamington selected as location for one of two new UK Covid-19 testing 'mega-labs' - it could create 2,000 jobs