Plans have been submitted for a new bespoke facility for reservists to be built in Cardiff Bay, the Royal Navy has announced today.
The £11 Million investment by the Royal Navy will provide a modern 21st century training establishment for the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR), Royal Marine Reserve (RMR) and the University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) that will meet the aspirations of the UK’s Reserves Forces for the next 50 years.
The project will be delivered by the Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association for Wales (RFCA) in partnership with the Royal Navy and Associated British Ports (ABP), who have offered the Navy a long term lease on the splendid waterfront site.
The new build will provide state-of-the-art training and classroom suites, accommodation, administrative services, as well as social and fitness facilities.
There will also be access to the Waterfront and docking facilities for visiting warships.
Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE, The Second Sea Lord, said: ‘I am delighted to announce the development of a Reserve Hub in Cardiff Bay.
“The Royal Navy has a strong connection to South Wales and this investment reflects the Royal Navy’s continued commitment to the area.
“This project reflects the high value we place on our Reserves Forces and an appreciation of the support the South Wales’ communities give to our Armed Forces.’
The new site will provide shared accommodation facilities for three naval Units, the RNR Unit HMS Cambria, The Royal Marine Reserves Cardiff Detachment and the Wales URNU.
Commander Steve Fry, the Commanding Officer of the local RNR unit HMS Cambria, said: “We are very excited about this project.
“This significant investment by the Royal Navy in Wales will provide great opportunities for our Reservists and for anyone wishing to be part of the Reserve Forces.
“The site is the perfect location to meet our requirements and gives us real potential to grow and thrive.”
Colonel Nick Beard, Chief Executive of RFCA for Wales, said: “This project demonstrates that the Royal Navy is fully committed to having a presence in Wales.
“We are delighted to work with the Royal Navy and ABP to provide the best possible facilities for our Reservists to work and train.
“This will be a state-of-the-art build which will locate three units in the same building, providing value for money, and scope for expansion and further development in the future.”
James Cooper, ABP Chief Executive, said: "ABP's Port of Cardiff has a long association with the Royal Navy and we are proud to be chosen to develop a facility that will play such a vital role in the service's future.
“The port and its customers play a significant role in the regional economy, supporting 2,000 jobs, and there is considerable room for expansion.
“Thanks to a significant land bank, the port of Cardiff is ready to deliver further projects of this scale and beyond."
Work on the building will start next year, and aims to be completed by 2019.
With the new build to look forward to, all three units will be actively recruiting new members.
Commander Steve Fry said: “This move is testament to the high regard we have had representing the Royal Navy across South Wales for many years.
“I look forward to welcome many more Reservists into our new site which will be a professional and welcoming environment for many years to come.”
Anyone interested in joining the Reserves in Wales can search Royal Navy Careers online or call 0345 600 3222.
