The Royal Navy has announced plans to create a bespoke facility for reservists that will meet the aspirations of the UK’s Reserves Forces for the next 50 years.
Located in Cardiff Bay, the £11M centre will provide modern, state-of-the-art training facilities for the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR), Royal Marine Reserve (RMR) and the University Royal Naval Unit (URNU), with classroom suites, accommodation, administrative services, and social / fitness facilities.
Access will also be provided to the Waterfront and docking facilities for visiting warships will be created.
Further shared accommodation will be provided at the site for three naval Units, the RNR Unit HMS Cambria, The Royal Marine Reserves Cardiff Detachment and the Wales URNU.
Working in partnership with Associated British Ports, who have given the Navy long-term lease of the waterfront site, work is due to start on the project early next year and is due for completion by 2019.
Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE, The Second Sea Lord, said: “I am delighted to announce the development of a Reserve Hub in Cardiff Bay. The Royal Navy has a strong connection to South Wales and this investment reflects the Royal Navy’s continued commitment to the area.
“This project reflects the high value we place on our Reserves Forces and an appreciation of the support the South Wales’ communities give to our Armed Forces.”
Commander Steve Fry, the Commanding Officer of the local RNR unit HMS Cambria, said: “We are very excited about this project. This significant investment by the Royal Navy in Wales will provide great opportunities for our Reservists and for anyone wishing to be part of the Reserve Forces.
“The site is the perfect location to meet our requirements and gives us real potential to grow and thrive.”
Colonel Nick Beard, Chief Executive of RFCA for Wales, said: “This project demonstrates that the Royal Navy is fully committed to having a presence in Wales. We are delighted to work with the Royal Navy and ABP to provide the best possible facilities for our Reservists to work and train.
“This will be a state-of-the-art build which will locate three units in the same building, providing value for money, and scope for expansion and further development in the future.”
James Cooper, ABP Chief Executive, said: “ABP’s Port of Cardiff has a long association with the Royal Navy and we are proud to be chosen to develop a facility that will play such a vital role in the service’s future. The port and its customers play a significant role in the regional economy, supporting 2,000 jobs, and there is considerable room for expansion.
“Thanks to a significant land bank, the port of Cardiff is ready to deliver further projects of this scale and beyond.”
Image: Artist’s impression of the facility © Crown Copyright
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Associated British Ports Cardiff Bay Reserves RFCA Royal Marine Reserve (RMR) Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) Royal Navy University Royal Naval Unit Wales
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