Senior naval officers and invited guests have celebrated a significant milestone at the ‘topping-out’ ceremony, for the new Unit building of the Royal Naval Reserve Wales in Cardiff Bay.
The state of the art building has transformed the former industrial site, barely a mile from the heart of the nation’s capital, into a gleaming £11m home for HMS Cambria that will become a focal point for the Royal Navy in Wales. It will serve as a centre for Maritime Reservists across the region and develop as a hub for naval university cadet training and recruiters.
The building will also include short term living accommodation to support training, classroom suites, dining halls, an armoury and an external rope training area as well as a parade square. In addition it will provide a working space for up to 80 personnel, and feature other amenities, such as social and fitness facilities for use by the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and University Royal Naval Units.
It replaces the existing Cambria complex at Sully near Barry and is expected to serve the needs of the Royal Navy and Reserve Forces for the next half century – thanks to a long-term lease on the new location at Roath Dock. The project is being delivered by Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales, in partnership with port owner and operator Associated British Ports, South Wales (ABP South Wales).
Speaking at the ceremony Commodore Martin Quinn ADC, Commander Maritime Reserves thanked the construction company Morgan Sindall for their work.
“It is an enormous pleasure to be able to represent the Royal Navy today and in particular the Maritime Reserves who will be soon operating from this new Reserve Unit.
“I’d like to thank Morgan Sindall as the main contractor, ABP for the land lease and RFCA Wales for their efforts in achieving this point in the building of the New HMS Cambria in the Heart of Cardiff.”
Along to the ceremony as well were two reservists from HMS Cambria, AB Emily Boycott, who’s been a reservist for two years, after attending Cardiff University, and Leading Seaman Andy Thomas who joined five years ago.
“It is very exciting to be part of the Royal Naval Reserves here in South Wales and even more so because of the new building which will be our home. It’s going to be amazing when we move in, close to the City and close to the public, it will be awesome,” said Emily.
Andy said, “I’m really lucky to be here and moving into the new building. We will be near the Bay and the water, which will give us more opportunities to get out with the Boats training and show the community what we are doing. Without a doubt this new building will raise the profile of the Royal Navy in Cardiff and the whole of South Wales.”
