The design and build project will see VolkerFitzpatrick demolish an existing structure before constructing a part two-storey, part four-storey building in its place. The new facility will feature office space, laboratories and ancillary accommodation. The team will also construct a feature atrium, with a double height reception area and a 100-seat lecture auditorium.

The building will have approximately 6,320m² of office space and consist of a concrete frame, with curtain walling and a rainscreen façade. The team will also install photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to supplement the building services demand and reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint. The facility has been designed to meet the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard.

Once completed, the National Maritime Systems Centre will increase the capacity of Portsdown Technology Park, transforming it into a UK Centre of Excellence for Maritime Mission Systems.

The facility will also create up to 100 jobs locally and, through working with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, will offer small and medium-sized enterprises further opportunities through the fully integrated Innovation and Collaboration Hub.

Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Building division, said: “We are very pleased to have been chosen by QinetiQ to be their construction partner for this exciting multi-use specialist facility. This recent appointment demonstrates VolkerFitzpatrick’s continued commitment to the UK defence sector.”

Steve Fitz-Gerald, managing director for Maritime, Land and Weapons at QinetiQ, said: “We are passionate about delivering world-class systems for the UK front line. Providing our science, technology and engineering teams with state of the art facilities enhances our ability to support the Royal Navy for decades to come. It is also an important step in retaining and attracting the best talent in the Solent region and, through innovation and collaboration, contributing to the wider UK prosperity agenda.”