Cornwall military base set for £100m redevelopment

Captain Stuart Irwin (centre) described the plans as exciting

A military base in Cornwall is the subject of a redevelopment worth almost £100m, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The project will see the rebuilding of Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose - home of the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet.

The first phase will see the construction of a new air engineering training school, a new hangar and refurbishment of existing buildings.

Captain Stuart Irwin said: "This project marks the start of an exciting regeneration and investment in RNAS Culdrose with new, modern facilities."

Extensive rebuilding

He added: "The refurbishment of aircraft hangars and buildings at 820 Naval Air Squadron is another significant investment.

"It will provide us with more suitable and sustainable places to operate [the] Merlin helicopter force now, and into the future."

At a meeting on Thursday, it was announced that a contract for the work had been awarded to Kier Construction, and that Mott MacDonald would provide technical services.

The total cost is £99.5m and work is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2028.

Later projects planned over the next 10 years will involve the extensive rebuilding of the living quarters including new messes and wardroom.