Kier Construction has landed a £99.5m job to develop a new helicopter base for the Royal Navy.
The four-year project involves revamping Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall, including the replacement of the Engineering Training School (ETS) at the site. The ETS mainly delivers training for engineers to maintain Merlin anti-submarine helicopters (pictured) operated by the Fleet Air Arm’s 820 Naval Air Squadron (NAS).
In addition, Kier will replace the hangars used by 820 NAS – which protects the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers – and an undisclosed number of office buildings at the site.
Work has already begun and is set to last for four years with delivery expected in spring 2028, the Royal Navy announced last Friday (25th October).
Kier will also install solar photovoltaic panels, energy efficient lighting, air source heat pumps and water saving measures at the site, according to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which manages the Ministry of Defence’s estate.
The site will be net zero at completion.
Kier Construction regional director Doug Lloyd said: “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.”
DIO programme director for major programmes and projects Daniel Ross said: “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.”
Mott MacDonald has been appointed to work alongside Kier as the technical services provider.
Kier’s work with the DIO has increased recently. It was one of six contractors named on an alliance to create 16,000 bed spaces for the Armed Forces in August, alongside firms including Laing O’Rourke and Bowmer & Kirkland.
And in May last year, Kier was named on a £5.1bn 10-year strategic alliance contract with the Ministry of Defence alongside six other contractors.
