Project win for delivery of £8 million state-of-the-art navy base

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to build a new £8 million state-of-the-art head office and training facility at HMS Cambria, Cardiff Bay; the home of the Royal Naval Reserve unit in Wales.

The major project is being delivered by Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales, in partnership with port owner and operator Associated British Ports, South Wales (ABP South Wales).

Morgan Sindall Construction won a competitive tender process to transform the existing industrial site, located at Roath Dock in Cardiff Bay, for its client, ABP South Wales.

The main contractor will build 4,000m2 four-storey steel-framed facility, primarily for HMS Cambria. Plans for the headquarters include living accommodation for up to 50 people, training and classroom suites, dining hall, armoury room and an external rope training area and parade square.

In addition, the building will feature other amenities, such as social and fitness facilities for use by the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and University Royal Naval Units.

The facility will provide work space for up to 80 personnel, replacing the existing HMS Cambria office in Sully to serve as headquarters for maritime reservists across the region.

Morgan Sindall Construction has already carried out enabling works, including demolition of existing structures within the site boundary.

The main construction work started in January and it is expected to be complete at the beginning of 2020.

The project is being delivered as part of the Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) programme initiated by the Prime Minister to examine the future shape and role of the UK’s Reserves Forces. The FR20 aims to provide permanent facilities for a modern Maritime Reserves unit in South Wales to support the objective of increasing capacity for growth in personnel numbers to 4,150 by 2020.

Rob Williams, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction said: “We’re incredibly proud to be delivering this importance defence project, which has huge significance both for HMS Cambria, and for region as a whole.
“That the Royal Navy has committed to training and developing its forces here for at least the next half a century is a massive vote of confidence in Cardiff. The port supports thousands of jobs and this investment can provide the catalyst for further development.
“The building itself will be a striking addition to the waterfront and we look forward to handing it over to Associated British Ports and Royal Navy in 2020.”

Rhys Morgan, Head of Property, ABP South Wales, said: “We are pleased to be working with Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver this exciting project for the RFCA in Wales. Their expertise in construction will help turn a non-operational piece of land into a thriving facility for the region.
“ABP South Wales’ vast land back and in-house expertise allows us to deliver bespoke property solutions around the country. The Port of Cardiff has a long association with the Royal Navy and we are pleased to be welcoming HMS Cambria back to the capital.”

• For more information about this news release please contact Ellie Riddy or Jonathan Daly at Influential on 0161 804 1400 or email riddy@thisisinfluential.com