VolkerFitzpatrick has scooped a contract, worth almost £5million, to upgrade BAE Systems' Maritime Integration and Support Centre (MISC) at Portsdown Technology Park in Portsmouth.

Design work is now well underway, with main construction beginning in August.

The MISC is a specialist facility, providing support for Royal Navy warships, whilst researching future combat systems and technologies. BAE Systems has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to extend the facility, to support their expanding programme of work.

The new build extension will comprise a two-storey steel frame, on concrete pad foundations, with a façade made up of curtain wall glazing and a rainscreen cladding system. With a footprint of 750m2, the extension will include a new visitor and VIP entrance, meeting and conference rooms, open-plan offices with breakout spaces and welfare provision. The external spaces will feature new landscaping and car parking facilities and the building’s roof will be flat, to accommodate plant and photovoltaic panels.

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BAE Systems has set itself a goal to develop and implement a long-term strategy that reduces the impact of its activities and products on the environment. The extension has been designed to achieve a ‘BREEAM Very Good rating’, and this will ensure that the environmental impact of the facility is well managed, reducing energy, water and material use, as well as improving the health and wellbeing of employees.

Throughout the project, the team will be exploring ways to maximise social value, which will include hiring labour, and working with the supply chain, from the local area.

Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick's Building division, said: "I am delighted that BAE Systems have chosen us to deliver this significant upgrade to their MISC facility. I look forward to working with them on this new project, which will build on our growing presence in the military and defence sector."

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2022.