MAJOR plans from BAE Systems to build a new ‘state of the art’ 22m high research and development facility in Barrow capable of housing hundreds of employees are set to be given the go-ahead.

Members of the strategic planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council are recommended to approve plans for the construction of a four-storey building known as ‘Project Spartan’ on the site of the former industrial storage building known as B36.

Planning documents say the proposed Project Spartan building will be the ‘leading’ research and design building in the wider BAE Systems complex.

Impression from Morrisons Car Park credit: McBains and BAE Systems

The planning statement says: “At its base, Project Spartan will support the design, build, test, and commission of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

“The research and development conducted in Project Spartan could potentially result in new BAES projects and consequently in the creation of training and employment opportunities for local residents and greater investment into the area.”

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According to plans, the proposed building is designed to include accommodation for Royal Navy crew members to replace the current temporary accommodation as well as the now-vacant Building B36 which was used by BAE for general industrial storage.

A report prepared by planning officers says: “The proposal is considered to have social, environmental and economic benefits for the town and surrounding Furness area, and in principle it is welcomed.

“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 raises concerns that ‘negative aspects’ could arise from the construction process.

It states: “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 Building B36 which was also previously used as a munitions factory. However, since these works have not yet started and Project Spartan occupies only Bays 1-9 of Building B36, this application seeks consent for a partial demolition of the building.

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

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According to planning documents, the proposed building will be broadly arranged in a ‘H shape’ and will be 22 metres tall and occupy 23,087 square metres.

Planning documents say Project Spartan will consolidate around 750 BAE employees working in various buildings across Barrow into one building and provide crew accommodation for personnel who currently reside in temporary accommodation.

Whilst the overall staff number will be 750, there will only be a maximum of 500 full-time staff, as the total capacity of crew will rarely be realised, plans add.

Planning documents say: “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. Building B36 already has consent for demolition and Project Spartan will make best use of this brownfield site and deliver a modern high-quality building.”

Previously initial plans were developed for ‘Spartan 1’ which consisted of an 8-storey building of circa 46,239 sqm, delivering office space with ancillary crew facilities.

However, progress on this scheme was halted as a result of a new project brief being issued. Although, ‘Project Spartan’ is different to ‘Spartan 1’, comments that were received during pre-application discussions contributed to the re-design process, plans add.

This application is set to be approved by the strategic planning committee on September 19.