The £100m project near Helston on the Lizard Peninsula will replace and refurbish the 820 Naval Air Squadron hangars and associated office buildings, as well as the full replacement of the Engineering Training School.

The project covers a combination of demolition, a new build within the same site footprint, and the refurbishment of existing infrastructure.

Sustainability will be a key feature of the project which will include integrated water-saving measures, net zero carbon emissions, solar photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient lighting, and air source heat pumps to improve energy efficiency and contribute to carbon reduction.

Work is just starting with Mott MacDonald on board as technical consultant.

Captain Stuart Irwin, commanding officer of Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, said: “This project marks the start of an exciting regeneration and investment in RNAS Culdrose with new, modern facilities.

Planned Engineering Training School at RNAS Culdrose

“The Engineering Training School is at the heart of our operations to maintain the Merlin helicopter fleet. Our young people, many of whom are just at the start of their naval careers, will learn how to maintain aircraft in a high-tech and modern teaching environment.”

The project is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2028.