SEA CADETS SUTTON COLDFIELD: NEW SHIP BUILDING
It is not everyday we receive a commission to design a land based Navy ship, however we’re excited to be working with the Sutton Coldfield unit of the Sea Cadets to design their new ship building. The existing facility, pictured below, was built in 1952 based on ‘HMS Sutton’, a WW1 Hunt-class minesweeper which after many years of service is now due to be replaced.
Existing ship building to be replaced
Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets photograph of the existing ship advertising a recent induction evening
HMS Sutton
The new building will be modelled on the Type 26 frigate (Global Combat Ship) eight of which are being constructed for the Royal Navy at BAE Systems' Govan and Scotstoun yards on the River Clyde in Glasgow. Additional ships are also to be built for the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Canadian Navy.
The Type 26 frigate which the land based ship building is to be modelled on
Of the eight ships one will be named ‘HMS Birmingham’ which the new cadets facility will mirror as a land based version. This will provide a new unit base for the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets and include the re-design of the external site areas with a parade space, dinghy storage, and external classroom facilities, all based around the existing boat storage buildings that are to remain. The ship building will also provide a new facility for local events and functions, reinforcing the links the sea cadets have with the local community of Sutton Coldfield.
The project is to be completed in advance of the 2022 Commonwealth Games to be hosted in the West Midlands, where the new cadets building will support the Sutton Park venue being used for the games.
As a local practice with a keen interest in community projects we are eager to get started on the design work for this one-off ‘building’ and are looking forward to the unique design challenges this will involve.
Sea Cadets is a self funded charity based on naval values, providing both ashore and afloat activities and adventure and qualifications and aim to guide children in to young adulthood. If you would like to find out more or are able to support raising funds for the new facility and community project please contact the Sea Cadets direct on suttoncoldfieldseacadets@yahoo.co.uk or visit https://www.sea-cadets.org/suttoncoldfield
