Over the next eight years, BAE Systems’ Cumbrian boatyard, which has been making submarines for more than a century, will be totally transformed. As many as 850 contractors will work on the development at its peak to replace older buildings with newer, larger, state-of-the-art facilities to allow the construction of the UK’s future nuclear deterrent submarines, known as Successor.
The construction work will be part-funded by the Ministry of Defence.
Tony Johns, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime – Submarines, said: “Redevelopment of the site is fundamental to the future of our business and will ensure we stay at the forefront of submarine design, build, test and commissioning.
“This investment will provide a modern, 21st century environment for our employees to apply the unique skills and expertise that have delivered complex submarines to the UK Royal Navy for over a century.
“The Successor programme, to replace the Vanguard class submarines, remains subject to final approval in 2016, but it is vital we begin these improvements now in order to achieve the government's target of having the first submarine in service by 2028.”
Demolition of some existing buildings will start in April. This will be the first major activity of a programme that will include:
- an extension to the Devonshire Dock Hall construction facility to include a new manufacturing and installation facility
- two new major buildings that will house pressure hull units ready for shot blast and paint and the integration of submarine equipment modules
- the refurbishment of the site’s main fabrication facility, together with its existing plant and machinery.
BAE Systems’ also plans to build a 28,000m2 off-site logistics facility to store submarine parts and materials within the local area.
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