RNAS Culdrose to get £100m rebuild
The plans include a new training school and revamped buildings
A £100m pound project to kick-start the rebuilding of RNAS Culdrose has been announced today.
The Ministry of Defence says there is going to be a new air engineering training school, a new hangar, and refurbishment of existing buildings for 820 Naval Air Squdaron.
The contract for the work has been awarded to Kier Construction, with technical services provided by Mott MacDonald, and it's set to be completed by 2028.
Later projects planned over the next ten years for RNAS Culdrose, which are still to be finalised and awarded contracts, will involve the extensive rebuilding of the living quarters including new messes and wardroom.
Captain Stuart Irwin, the air station’s commanding officer, 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.”
The work is being managed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), whose programme director Daniel Ross, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to 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."
The deputy head of Royal Navy Infrastructure, Stu Johnston, said this was an important step in the ongoing regeneration of RNAS Culdrose over the next 10 years.
“The DIO and Navy Infrastructure teams have worked closely with the air station to develop what will be hangar and training facilities fit for the modern Royal Navy, and that reflect our wider sustainability and energy efficiency ambitions.” he said.
The MoD says the new and refurbished sites will have sustainability as a key feature, including integrated water-saving measures, net-zero carbon emissions, solar panels, energy efficient lighting, and air source heat pumps to improve energy efficiency and contribute to carbon reduction.