Kier has commenced work on a new £9 million scheme at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth.

The firm's regional building branch is constructing a new state-of-the-art Physical Training centre and gymnasium at the academy on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

A turf cutting ceremony was held to launch construction on the new facility, with the Commanding Officer of BRNC, Captain Jol Woodard invited to cut the first patch of soil.

Capt Woodard said: "The new gym is an essential addition to the facilities here at BRNC that will allow us to deliver 21st century physical training to the standards required by the modern Navy for everyone at the College. It will include a multi-purpose main hall where our Cadets will undergo the bulk of their military fitness training and be kitted out for a wide range of sports. Fitness and competitive sport remain a vital part of military life."

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When complete, the centre will be equipped for up to 800 people, including Cadets and BRNC staff.

Doug Lloyd, Kier Regional Building, Area Manager, Devon added: "We are delighted to be working in Dartmouth delivering the new training centre and gym for Britannia Royal Naval College. The training and development of young people is important and throughout the building project we will be delivering employment and skills opportunities through work experience and apprenticeships. Cutting the first turf is a significant moment and we look forward to working with BRNC to provide the much-needed facilities for the cadets to enjoy in 2020 and long into the future."

The building will be constructed from environmentally friendly materials to minimise emissions and reduce BRNC's carbon footprint, while also improving energy consumption and the building's resilience to adverse climate change.

It is set to be available for use in early 2020.

(CM/MH)