By Lucy Ashton
TRAINEE ROYAL NAVY submariners were given a glimpse of the future when they had the opportunity to experience new in-build accommodation at HM Naval Base Clyde.
The Naval Base, which is the home of the Submarine Service, is currently constructing three new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks.
The £166M project is moving fast, with the first blocks – earmarked for students undertaking the Submarine Qualifying Course (SMQ) – due to open in 2026.
On Tuesday, a show room, simulating what the new accommodation will look and feel like, provided submariners with the chance to check-out the future living space.
One visitor was Able Seaman (AB) Ben Walker, a submariner trainee currently enrolled in the SMQ course at Clyde.
“The new design for the rooms is nice, very modern and looks quite comfortable. It is good that there will be communal areas instead of just a bedroom and the private desk space will be useful when you need peace and quiet to study.”
Ben said: “All in all, the new accommodation spaces look great and I’m sure that future trainees will enjoy their time there.”
The well thought out “taster” cabins feature modern furniture and fittings. Rooms will have built-in wardrobes, a desk area to work in, ensuite bathrooms, and additional storage in the newly designed beds.
In addition, the new accommodation will provide comfortable communal areas with sofas and a kitchen area. All rooms will have Wi-Fi capability and USB specific charging ports.
Also inspecting the new cabins was the Royal Navy’s Director of People and Training, Rear Admiral Jude Terry CB OBE, who was visiting HM Naval Base Clyde along with other senior personnel from Navy Command.
“This £166 million investment underscores our commitment to improving the quality of life for our submariners. This example cabin today brings to life the modern, comfortable, and practical living spaces that will soon support our personnel. These facilities are a testament to our dedication to ensuring our people have the best possible environment to thrive in the submarine service.”
Once completed, the three new SLA blocks will provide quality accommodation for up to 630 people. The buildings have been situated close to the Naval Base’s submarine training facilities meaning that students can easily go between their new “home from home” and classrooms where they will undertake their learning.
The work, which is being delivered for the Royal Navy by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and industry partner Kier Graham Defence (KGD), is part of the Clyde Infrastructure Programme.
The Programme is part of a larger multi-billion package of works to redevelop the Naval Base, helping to support the new Dreadnought and Astute class submarines while improving the lives of those who live and work at the vital defence site.
Picture Captions:
- RAdm Jude Terry meets with SMQ trainees in the new accommodation show room.
- RAdm Terry chats with Captain of the Base, Captain Elaine Boyd and the SMQ Trainees.
- The trainees are introduced to Mr Steven O’Connor, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation lead for the accommodation project.