£300M BAE Systems Barrow project underway

BAE Systems have announced that work has started on the first phase of its redevelopment programme at Barrow-in-Furness.

The new £23M off-site logistics facility designed and built by Shepherd Construction will be used to store submarine parts and materials and is part of an eight-year £300M programme and is expected to see 850 contractors employed at its peak.

The programme will include new build facilities as well as the refurbishment of existing infrastructure in preparation for the construction of the successor to the Vanguard class.

Minister of State for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne said: “Barrow is the hub of submarine construction in the UK. The site has recently delivered the third of seven Astute submarines for the Royal Navy and will go on to work on our new fleet of four Successor Ballistic Missile submarines and the renewal of Britain’s nuclear deterrent; all helping to keep Britain safe.

“This investment in the logistics facility at the site is an important step towards the eight-year infrastructure upgrade programme at the yard, securing thousands of jobs and showing our commitment to increase defence spending each year for the rest of the decade.”

Director of the site redevelopment programme at BAE Systems Submarines, Allan Day, believes the new facilities will be crucial in delivering the submarines. He said: “The new submarines we are designing present one of the most complex and challenging engineering projects we have ever tackled. The world-class infrastructure this redevelopment will provide, together with our highly skilled workforce, will be critical in delivering these submarines to the Royal Navy.”

Paul Waller, Construction Director for Shepherd, commented: “We have already collaborated closely with the BAE Systems team to formulate a high quality design that absolutely reflects their vision and will meet the needs of their workforce when they come to start construction of the new submarines.

“Our commitment to deliver a foundation for the future and engage with the local community is a vital element of our work with BAE Systems. We look forward to applying some of the unrivalled skills available in the local area and working together to create a facility which leaves a lasting legacy.”

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