The MOD has announced millions of pounds worth of investment in facilities at HMNB Clyde, which will bring economic and community prosperity to the region.
An agreement has been signed between the UK Government, Royal Navy and Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership which will bring jobs, transport, leisure and business growth opportunities to Helensburgh, with hundreds of millions of pound to be invested in the naval base.
The opportunity as arisen to develop HM Naval Base Clyde as the Royal Navy Submarine Centre of Specialisation, and will see all UK attack submarines based in the region by 2020, with the Dreadnought class ballistic submarine also earmarked to be based here.
The development of the base will go hand in hand with numerous infrastructure improvements to accommodate the increase in personnel, which will see some 8,200 service personnel and families living in the area and a further 1,000 construction jobs created.
Infrastructure works will focus on the key themes set out in a Strategic Delivery and Development Framework (SDDF), including education, economy, community facilities, communication, transportation and housing.
Naval Base Commander, Commodore Mark Gayfer, said: ‘The Royal Navy is keen to ensure that the local community better understands what it brings to Argyll and Bute.
“There are tremendous opportunities for mutual benefit, such as our redevelopment of the Drumfork Club in Helensburgh, building new sports facilities and the UK Government £5m of support for the Council’s waterfront redevelopment.”
Works already undertaken in integrating the communities through meetings with local businesses to discuss opportunities, and the creation of private and social housing, while a Service Pupil Advisor will assist service families providing advice and support for Armed Forces children in the Helensburgh and Lomond area.
Construction work has seen the renovation of the MOD owned Drumfork Club, situated in Churchill Estate in Helensburgh. With work currently underway and , and due to be completed in mid-2018, the facility will be open to the entire community, with registered childcare provision and five multi-purpose function rooms.
Witnessing the signing of the MOU was Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell, who said: “The UK’s entire submarine fleet will be based at Faslane by 2020. This will reinforce Scotland’s vital role in protecting our country, and guarantee skilled, secure jobs on the Clyde for years to come.
“We must ensure this investment in the base is also a catalyst for growth and regeneration in the wider community. Today’s agreement will deliver new housing and improved infrastructure, ensuring people in Argyll and Bute benefit directly from hosting the base.”
Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves and Personnel Mark Lancaster, said: “This agreement ensures the investment we are making to upgrade HMNB Clyde, as part of the £1.7bn we are spending to improve military bases in Scotland, will not only help provide our people and their families with more stability and a better environment to work in, but will also help transform the local area, providing skilled jobs and better infrastructure.”
Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council and Chair of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, said: “This agreement is about making the development of HMNB Clyde work for Navy personnel, their families and the communities in Argyll they will be joining. It’s about delivering opportunities for new residents and local people to build happy, prosperous lives together. Helensburgh and its surrounding areas offer great benefits as a place to live, work and visit, and we very much look forward to welcoming new Navy friends and neighbours.”
Images: © Crown Copyright Astute Class Submarine
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Faslane HMNB Clyde Royal Navy submarine
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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