New design released for Navy’s bay plans

A NEW design for a multi-millionpound building planned for Cardiff Bay has been released.

HMS Cambria will become home to the Royal Navy by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

The plan is to build its new building on land owned by Associated British Ports, near the BBC Studios.

The new building will include training and classroom suites, accommodation, administrative services, as well as social and fitness facilities with access to the waterfront and docking facilities for visiting warships.

There will be shared accommodation facilities for three naval units: the local Royal Navy Reserve Unit HMS Cambria; The Royal Marine Reserves Cardiff Detachment; and the Wales University Royal Naval Unit.

Previous artist’s impressions of the building have been released, but this is a new look for the plans.

The facilities and building design have changed and are to be submitted to Cardiff council, according to a cadets spokesman.

Initial planning consent had been given and a tendering process by construction companies had started.

There will now be further consultation about the changes and work could begin on site in early July.

Commander Steve Fry, Commanding Officer of local Royal Naval Reserve Unit HMS Cambria, said: “There have been adjustments to the building, which will offer state of the art facilities for the Royal Navy and Reservists from across Cardiff to enjoy. We will be very happy to have such a site for the Armed Forces community in a modern and dynamic city.”

Colonel Nick Beard, chief executive of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales, said: “This scheme will help maximise the ability of Royal Navy Reservists in Wales to continue being vital and valued members of the UK’s Defence Family.

“We are committed to finding the most effective ways to provide Reservists with the best places to work and train.

“This project in Cardiff Bay will be a place where they can gain transferable skills for their careers and civilian lives, whilst also enhancing their everyday lives.”