Work on a new £100 million nuclear submarine building complex in Cumbria is now complete.

The 175,000 sq ft Central Yard Facility in Barrow-in-Furness, built by Morgan Sindall, has now been officially opened by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.

The state-of-the-art complex was delivered for defence giant BAE Systems and will be used to outfit and test the most advanced submarines in the Royal Navy's fleet. Comprising production, workshop and office facilities, the Central Yard Facility also features two cranes, each with a 150 tonne capacity and a 60m span.

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Andrew Parker, Director of Defence at Morgan Sindall, said: "The complexity and scale of the site, coupled with the building's design requirements meant that the project required a team with particular expertise, and experience of working in partnership with defence contractors.

"We're incredibly proud to have successfully delivered this project in collaboration with our sister company, BakerHicks. It is not only of vital importance to both BAE Systems, and the MOD, but also to the people of Barrow."

Allan Day, BAE Systems Submarines Facilities Programme Director, said: "The Central Yard Facility is a key component for the delivery of the Dreadnought programme, so it was a real privilege to witness it being formally opened by the defence secretary.

"His visit to Barrow was the culmination of many years' hard work and collaboration by BAE Systems, Morgan Sindall and its sub-contractors."

(LM/MH)