The developments form part of ongoing work with the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) to deliver critical defense programs, investing in the people and infrastructure needed to support the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and future requirements.
Formally opened by Luke Pollard, Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry and MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, the Babcock Skills Center brings practical training closer to operational delivery, helping connect education, industry, and early careers pathways while developing the specialist technical skills needed across the defense workforce. The Center reinforces the city and wider region’s position as a cornerstone of the UK’s sovereign defense industry.
The planned Integrated Logistics Hub at Sherford, within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, will optimize space across Babcock’s Devonport estate and increase operational capacity and resilience in support of critical submarine sustainment and deep maintenance activities. Supporting increased throughput at Devonport, including the dual-streaming of Astute-class submarines and the transition to Dreadnought, the hub will be located on an 18.8-acre site with the potential to accommodate a 30,000 square meter facility.
Together with a previously announced Capability Center in Plymouth city center, which will accommodate up to 2,000 colleagues, the developments support the Government’s Defense Industrial Strategy, making defense an engine for growth—backing skilled jobs, a resilient UK industrial base, and regional prosperity.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry and MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “Plymouth has always been at the heart of our national defense, and investments like this show how working with industry partners like Babcock can deliver both the skills our Armed Forces need and the opportunities and growth this community deserves.
“The new Skills Center will support those already in defense to learn new skills and grow their career and create new pathways for those entering defense for the first time, giving local people the chance to build a career they can be proud of.”
Neal Misell, Chief Executive, Babcock Nuclear, said: “Today demonstrates our long-term commitment to Plymouth and the wider region, developing the skills, capability and infrastructure needed to bolster the UK’s national defense resilience, while creating opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for future generations. Concluding the day at the new Babcock Capability Center here in Plymouth city center was a great chance to share our upcoming plans for the facility with regional partners, which will see us relocate around 2000 colleagues into the heart of the city, bringing economic benefits and opportunities as we support the retention and creation of high-value jobs into the future.”
Richard May, CEO, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport: “This is the Freeport doing what it does best—unlocking opportunities and turning plans into real investment. We’re delighted to be working with Babcock to bring this exciting project forward and build on the momentum we’ve created together. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved—and a great example of the defense dividend delivering real benefits for Plymouth and South Devon.”
Councilor Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “This investment is part of the bigger picture for the South Hams. We promised to support a thriving local economy, create opportunities for good-quality jobs and build strong, resilient communities. By investing carefully and working with our partners, we are turning those promises into practical action that will benefit residents and businesses now and in the future.”
