A ceremony has been held to mark progress at the ongoing development at HMS Cambria in Wales.

Contractor Morgan Sindall has reached the halfway stage of its work which will see a major head office and training facility built at the head Royal Naval Reserve Unit in Wales.

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. It will be the home to the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and University Royal Naval Units.

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.

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Construction at the Cardiff Bay site began in January, with external work on the building nearing completion, and both cladding and roof works successfully completed.

Work has now begun on the installation of mechanic and electrical systems across all four storeys ahead of its scheduled completion by the beginning of 2020.

Morgan Sindall hosted a topping ceremony to mark the progress, with representatives from ABP, construction consultants, Gleeds, and the Royal Navy all in attendance.

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."

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.

(CM/MH)