The Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, announced a £300m investment for BAE Systems’ submarine yard in Cumbria.
The work will include both new infrastructure and the renovation of existing facilities in preparation for the construction of a successor to the Vanguard class submarines. Throughout the construction phase 850 contractors will be employed at the site.
The investment paves the way to the £11bn to £14bn deal to build the Royal Navy’s next generation of nuclear missile submarines. The Successor submarine programme is yet to be approved by the Government in 2016.
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 investment will be used by the defence giant, BAE Systems, to implement the following plans:
- an extension to the Devonshire Dock Hall construction facility to include a new state-of-the-art 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 module
- the refurbishment of the site’s main fabrication facility, together with its existing plant and machinery
- an intention to build a 28,000m2 off-site logistics facility to store submarine parts and materials within the local area
Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, said: “The next generation nuclear-deterrent submarines that will be built in Barrow will be the largest and most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.
“The £300m of infrastructure work that will take place over the coming years will not only protect 6,000 highly skilled jobs at the site, but also provide hundreds of additional construction jobs.”
Photo: Telegraph
