Morgan Sindall has reached the halfway stage of delivering a major head office and training facility at HMS Cambria, the lead Royal Naval Reserve Unit in Wales
HMS Cambria was originally based in Cardiff Docks until moving to Sully in 1980, creating what is known as Cardiff Bay. The new site will be home to the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and University Royal Naval Units.
Construction at the Cardiff Bay site began in January, with the 4,000 square metre steel-framed facility expected to be completed by the beginning of 2020. The new-build headquarters will replace the existing HMS Cambria in Sully and will continue to serve as the headquarters for maritime Reservists across Wales.
The new building will provide accommodation for up to 50 people, alongside a modern office environment with 80 workspaces, several training, and classroom suites, a fitness room, and a large, multi-purpose dining room. Outside, there will be a Royal Marine rope training area, car park, and parade square.
The project is being delivered through the joint partnership of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales and Associated British Ports, South Wales (ABP South Wales). Its commission forms part of the Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) programme initiated by the previous Prime Minister to encourage growth and investment in the UK’s Reserve Forces.
External work on the building is nearing completion, with both cladding and roof works successfully completed. Work has now begun on the installation of mechanic and electrical systems across all four-storeys.
Rob Williams, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Today is a great opportunity to celebrate progress with an enjoyable event for everyone involved in this great project.”
“When complete, the new look HMS Cambria will represent a significant improvement to the Royal Navy’s infrastructure and a fit-for-purpose Reservist’s training centre.
“Alongside other new public buildings such as the BBC and HMRC facilities in Cardiff’s Central Square, the Cambria building will boost the local economy.
“We are proud to be able to work in close collaboration with the ABP and RFCA on such an iconic community asset.”
Andrew Harston, regional director for ABP in Wales, commented: “We were delighted that ABP’s Port of Cardiff was chosen as the site for this future strategic facility and now that it is clad, people can really see the positive impact that HMS Cambria will make in Cardiff Bay.”
