Defence Procurement Minister opens Babcock's upgraded submarine facility and new Skills building
Image courtesy Babcock
Babcock has completed an extensive regeneration project of [Nine Dock] in Devonport. This included maintenance, life extension and facility improvements, delivering the most significant package of infrastructure work since the early 2000s. The site will receive the UK Vanguard Class submarines, which are critical in supporting the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent and securing the long-term defence of the nation.
As part of Babcock’s long-term partnership with the Submarine Delivery Agency, including the maintenance of the UK’s Vanguard class submarines, this upgraded facility will deliver the current £560 million maintenance programme already underway on HMS Victorious, extending the boat’s operational life.
Working with partners, the project has secured around 1,000 local jobs, underpinning Babcock’s commitment to supporting the Plymouth community.
In addition, the Minister opened the Babcock Engineering & Nuclear Skills building at City College Plymouth. Part of the Babcock Skills Academy, this modern facility will enhance Babcock’s growing workforce’s capabilities in the UK’s nuclear programmes by continuing to build a new pipeline of talent, while upskilling the existing workforce on the complex skills required to perform deep submarine maintenance.
Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said: “Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.
“Opening our Engineering & Skills building at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.”
