The United Kingdom’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation is updating several 820 Naval Air Squadron facilities at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall, England.
The $129 million deal, awarded on behalf of the Royal Navy to Kier Construction, with Mott MacDonald acting as technical services provider, will cover the refurbishment of the squadron’s hangars and other associated buildings and the construction of a new Engineering Training School facility. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
The planned upgrades and new facility will feature water-saving measures, net zero carbon emissions and energy-efficient lighting. According to Stu Johnston, deputy head of Navy Infrastructure and Projects and senior responsible officer, the project embraces the Royal Navy’s wider sustainability and energy efficiency goals.
DIO and the Royal Navy formalized the deal through a contract signing and a groundbreaking ceremony at RNAS Culdrose.
“The Engineering Training School is at the heart of our operations to maintain the Merlin helicopter fleet,” said Capt. Stuart Irwin, commanding officer at RNAS Culdrose. “[The new buildings will ensure] our young people … will learn how to maintain aircraft in a high-tech and modern teaching environment.”
Besides housing the Engineering Training School, RNAS Culdrose plays a significant role in the service’s anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet’s operations.