Defence giant lodges plans for research facility

BAE says the new facility would accommodate hundreds of workers

A defence giant's new research facility would support the design and building of "the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy".

BAE Systems has lodged plans to build Project Spartan, a four-storey construction on the site of a former munitions factory in Barrow, Cumbria.

If approved, it would accommodate hundreds of workers and provide on-site navy accommodation.

A planning application submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council is now subject to public consultation.

In documents seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, it says Project Spartan could result in new projects being developed on the site, creating training and employment opportunities as well as bringing greater investment to the area.

The H-shaped building would become the leading research and designs building in BAE's complex and standing 22 metres (72 ft) tall, would occupy 23,087 sq m.

Proposals say it would occupy the site of Building 36, previously used as a munitions factory and most recently for industrial storage.

The latest planning application seeks consent for partial demolition of the building.

When complete, Project Spartan would consist primarily of engineering floorspace, research and development, crew accommodation, an atrium, collaboration space and a cafe.

Major employer

Planning documents say BAE, the main employer in Barrow, will make best use of the brownfield site to deliver a "modern, high quality building".

The documents suggest the plans would align with the council's strategic vision to "strengthen, revive and redevelop the area as a high quality and sustainable location".

Initial plans for the site that were previously announced - dubbed Spartan 1 - were halted as a result of a new project brief being issued.

Comments received during pre-application discussions around Spartan 1 have contributed to the redesign process, according to the latest planning documents.