The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Royal Navy
have concluded a contract-signing and groundbreaking ceremony for
a major construction project at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS)
Culdrose in Cornwall.
This marks the beginning of work on a £99.5 million project to
replace and refurbish the 820 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) hangars,
associated office buildings, and the full replacement of the
Engineering Training School (ETS). The contract was awarded
to Keir Construction with Mott MacDonald as the designated
Technical Services Provider.
DIO and its contractors will deliver the project on behalf of the
Royal Navy, with the first phase seeing the construction of a new
air Engineering Training School, a new hangar and refurbishment
of existing buildings for 820 Naval Air Squadron, the helicopter
unit dedicated to protecting the Navy's aircraft carrier strike
groups. The project covers a combination of demolition, a new
build within the same site footprint, and the refurbishment of
existing infrastructure.
Sustainability will be a key feature of the project which will
include integrated water-saving measures, Net Zero carbon
emissions, solar photovoltaic panels, energy efficient lighting,
and air source heat pumps to improve energy efficiency and
contribute to carbon reduction.
RNAS Culdrose is integral to the UK's defence posture and is home
to the Royal Navy's anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet. RNAS
Culdrose also houses the Engineering Training School responsible
for Air Engineering (AE) specialist training, delivering fully
trained engineers to support Merlin helicopter operations.
Daniel Ross, DIO Programme Director, Major Programmes and
Projects, said:
“I am delighted that we can celebrate this significant milestone
at RNAS Culdrose, marking the next phase of collaboration with
our suppliers and the Royal Navy. Building on the sustainable
designs already delivered, the project will continue to
contribute towards defence's Net Zero targets and ultimately
enhance our military capability.”
Captain Stuart Irwin, Commanding Officer, Royal Naval Air Station
Culdrose said:
“This project marks the start of an exciting regeneration and
investment in RNAS Culdrose with new, modern facilities. The
Engineering Training School is at the heart of our operations to
maintain the Merlin helicopter fleet. Our young people, many of
whom are just at the start of their naval careers, will learn how
to maintain aircraft in a high-tech and modern teaching
environment.
The refurbishment of aircraft hangars and buildings at 820 Naval
Air Squadron is another significant investment. It will provide
us with more suitable and sustainable places to operate Merlin
Helicopter Force now, and into the future.”
Stu Johnston, Deputy Head, Navy Infrastructure and Projects,
Senior Responsible Officer, said:
“The DIO and Navy infrastructure teams have worked closely to
develop what will be hangar and training facilities fit for the
21st Century Royal Navy. The project will reflect our wider
sustainability and energy efficiency ambitions. The team has
embraced a collaborative and agile approach built on years of
hard work by stakeholders.”
Doug Lloyd, Regional Director, Kier Construction, said:
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the
Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Royal Navy to deliver
these new facilities. We have a wealth of experience in
delivering buildings of the highest quality across the defence
estate and are proud to be creating this important enabler to the
UK's future defence capability.”
Chris , DIO Account Lead for Mott
MacDonald, said:
“We are really pleased to be working for DIO as their Technical
Service Provider and alongside Kier, the Principal
Contractor. This project will provide a suite of modern and
sustainable infrastructure for the Royal Navy in accordance with
the Defence Operational Energy Strategy.”
The project is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2028.
