Morgan Sindall has commenced construction on a new £8 million Royal Navy base in Wales.

The contractor will transform the existing industrial site at HMS Cambria in Cardiff Bay into a state-of-the-art head office and training facility.

Plans for the new headquarters include a 3,755 sq ft four-storey steel-framed facility, living accommodation for up to 50 people, training and classroom suites, dining hall, armoury room and an external rope training area and parade square.

It will also feature social and fitness facilities for use by the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and University Royal Naval Units.

Rob Williams, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure said: "We're incredibly proud to be delivering this importance defence project, which has huge significance both for HMS Cambria, and for region as a whole.

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"That the Royal Navy has committed to training and developing its forces here for at least the next half a century is a massive vote of confidence in Cardiff. The port supports thousands of jobs and this investment can provide the catalyst for further development.

"The building itself will be a striking addition to the waterfront and we look forward to handing it over to Associated British Ports and Royal Navy in 2020."

It is being delivered by Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (RFCA) for Wales, in partnership with port owner and operator Associated British Ports, South Wales (ABP South Wales).

The project is being delivered as part of the Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) programme initiated by the Prime Minister to examine the future shape and role of the UK's Reserves Forces. The FR20 aims to provide permanent facilities for a modern Maritime Reserves unit in South Wales to support the objective of increasing capacity for growth in personnel numbers to 4,150 by 2020.

It is expected to be complete at the beginning of 2020.

(CM/JG)