Major BAE Systems R&D facility gets go-ahead

Major plans from BAE Systems to support and safeguard the future of the UK’s submarine production have been given the go-ahead.

Members of the strategic planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council approved plans for a four-storey research and development facility known as ‘Project Spartan’ on the site of a former industrial storage building.

Project manager for Project Spartan, David Nicholl, said: “Project Spartan will be the leading research and development building on the wider BAE Systems Barrow complex. It is a standalone facility that sits between two multimillion-pound investment programmes into Barrow.

“It is the final part of the UK’s Dreadnought programme which involves the creation of technologically advanced submarines. Delivering Dreadnought on time is vital to maintaining the UK’s constant at-sea deterrent and is therefore of critical national importance.

“Project Spartan will contribute to the Dreadnought boat programme by consolidating existing employees in engineering functions that are currently located in various buildings across Barrow.”

The facility will consist primarily of engineering floorspace, research and development, crew accommodation, an atrium, collaboration space and a café.

Councillor Vicky Hughes (Burton and Holme, Lib Dems) told the committee the plans were a no brainer and said she would love to recommend the proposals.

Councillor Frank Cassidy (Walney Island, Labour) added on behalf of himself and Councillor Bill McEwan (Ormsgill and Parkside, Labour): “We’re Barrow councillors, we support the shipyard and its workforce; this facility will advance the Dreadnought submarine construction programme in Barrow.”

Planning documents said Project Spartan will consolidate around 750 BAE employees working in buildings across Barrow into one building but added there will only be a maximum of 500 full-time staff, as the total capacity of crew will rarely be realised.

The proposed building is also designed to include accommodation for Royal Navy crew members to replace the current temporary accommodation.

Mr Nicholl added: “Project Spartan facilitates the relocation of existing BAE staff working in very weary and aged BAE Systems facilities across Barrow.

“This will allow these older facilities to then be renovated, upgraded and eventually repurposed for other operations necessary to deliver and complete future submarine programmes.

“To summarise Project Spartan is an important facility that has been designed to improve the efficiency and capability of BAE staff and operations and will consequently support and safeguard the future of the UK’s submarine production.”

A report prepared by planning officers said the proposal was considered to have social, environmental and economic benefits for the town and surrounding Furness area.

It added: “As a piece of inward investment, it will offer construction jobs and supply chain opportunities, and when complete it will help to retain and also attract young people; the economic and social benefits score highly in the planning balancing exercise.”

However, the report raised concerns that negative aspects could arise from the construction process.

It said: “Conditions are recommended, where appropriate, to try and mitigate any harm to acceptable levels and mostly these should be short-lived.

“The council continues to work with BAE in relation to its car parking strategy and management plan and sustainable travel plan and these are key areas of work to help allow BAE to grow sustainably without having an adverse impact on the local highway network; this collaborative approach should help provide a safeguard.”

Planning permission was secured in May 2023 for the demolition of the storage building which was also previously used as a munitions factory.

However, since the work has not yet started and Project Spartan occupies only Bays 1-9 of the building, this application seeks consent for a partial demolition of the building.

Planning documents said: “There is strong national and local planning policy support for Project Spartan that supports economic growth. The council’s strategic vision for Barrow Port is to strengthen, revive and redevelop the area as a high quality and sustainable location.

“The Local Plan also acknowledges that BAES is the main employer in Barrow and plays a key role in increasing economic activity in the town. The building already has consent for demolition and Project Spartan will make best use of this brownfield site and deliver a modern high-quality building.”