Kier Construction has embarked on a significant £99.5m project to update the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose.
- The four-year endeavour will replace key facilities, including the Engineering Training School, essential for maintaining Merlin helicopters.
- Modernisation includes renewable energy solutions, aligning with net-zero objectives by the project’s completion in spring 2028.
- Collaboration with Mott MacDonald as technical services provider underscores an integrated approach to this defence project.
- This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance the UK’s military capabilities with sustainable infrastructure.
Kier Construction has secured a contract valued at £99.5 million to revitalise the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall. The project aims to replace the existing Engineering Training School, a critical component in training engineers for the maintenance of Merlin anti-submarine helicopters operated by the Fleet Air Arm’s 820 Naval Air Squadron. Additionally, the initiative includes replacing hangars utilised by the 820 NAS, which play a key role in protecting the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, along with an undisclosed number of office buildings at the site.
Project commencement has been announced by the Royal Navy for the works, which are slated for completion by spring 2028. Innovative energy solutions, such as solar photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient lighting, air source heat pumps, and water-saving measures, are integral to the plan, ensuring the site achieves net-zero status upon completion. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), manager of the Ministry of Defence’s estate, has outlined these sustainability features as part of the broader governmental objective to enhance military capabilities sustainably.
Doug Lloyd of Kier expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deliver high-quality buildings across the defence estate, highlighting the strategic importance of the new developments. Furthermore, Daniel Ross of the DIO noted the project’s contribution to Defence’s net-zero targets, which ultimately aim to bolster the nation’s military prowess.
Technical expertise is supported by Mott MacDonald, enlisted as a technical services partner to ensure the project’s sustainable design aligns with strategic defence objectives. Kier’s increasing collaboration with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation marks a period of heightened activity, including previous contracts such as the strategic ten-year alliance involving accommodation expansion for the Armed Forces.
The revamp of RNAS Culdrose is a pivotal step in the UK’s strategy to modernise its defence infrastructure, balancing technological advancement with sustainability goals.
