IT’S ALL HAPPENING ON THE ACCOMMODATION FRONT AT FASLANE NAVAL BASE
By Lucy Ashton
THE CONSTRUCTION of new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at HM Naval Base Clyde took a step forward on Wednesday, 20th August, when the first prefabricated concrete panels were erected on-site.
The panels, ranging from ten to eighteen tonnes and spanning three to five metres wide, will be used in the construction of four new accommodation blocks with two of the new buildings specifically designed for submariner trainees.
The £166M construction project, delivered by the Royal Navy by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and their industry partner, Kier Graham Defence (KGD), forms part of the ongoing work under the Clyde Infrastructure Programme to prepare the Naval Base for the future.
The programme oversees the transformation of the site to operate and maintain the next generation of Dreadnought Class deterrent submarines, while supporting all those who live, work, and train there.
One year on from local planning permissions and final funding approvals, the site has leapt forward, continuing to deliver at pace.
There to see the first panels put in place was Captain of HMS Neptune, Captain Elaine Boyd, along with Base Warrant Officer, WO1 Keith McEwen, and WO1 Wayne Burbury MBE, the Barrackmaster.
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) representatives present were Delivery Lead, Steven O’Connor, Senior Manager, Derek McLean, and Assistant Project Manager, Jack McArthur. Kier Graham Defence (KGD) Contracts Manger, Peter Brady, was also there for the site tour.
Captain Boyd said: “This purpose-built accommodation marks a significant investment in the wellbeing and operational readiness of our sailors and marines. The pace and progress of delivery by DIO and Keir Graham has been genuinely exciting. It’s great to see such momentum behind a project that will make a real difference.”
She added: “Once complete, it will give submariner trainees a comfortable, supportive place to live while they train, helping them to stay focused and ready for the challenges ahead. It’s all about making sure our people have what they need to succeed.”
The use of prefabricated concrete panels delivers a “traditional style” of construction while allowing for easy and fast installation. The use of the panels helps minimise the workforce required on site, helps reduce cost, material waste, and helps towards sustainability goals.
The Royal Navy, working in conjunction with DIO and their industry supplier, KGD, have planned for the construction on the trainee blocks to conclude and be brought online in late 2026. The last two SLA blocks will be open in early 2027.
DIO’s Director Nuclear Infrastructure, Dan Ross, said: “Working closely with our supply chain partner Kier Graham, the DIO Nuclear Infrastructure team used innovative and modern methods of construction to deliver quality living accommodation at pace for Navy personnel.
“The pace of progress we’ve achieved is testament to genuine collaboration – when the Royal Navy, DIO and our supply chain partners work as one integrated team, we can deliver transformational infrastructure that truly serves our Armed Forces.”
As home of the Royal Navy Submarine Service, HM Naval Base Clyde plays a crucial role supporting the nation’s first and final line of defence – the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
A Navy spokesperson said: “For over 50-years the site has operated and maintained the deterrent fleet – first with the Resolution Class of submarines and then the current Vanguard Class vessels.
“During that time there has always been at least one nuclear-armed deterrent submarine at sea on patrol offering the ultimate guarantee of our safety and security and of our NATO Allies.”