We have today confirmed the location for our new Capability Centre in Plymouth – a major milestone in plans to relocate up to 2,000 highly skilled employees into the heart of the city.
The new Capability Centre will be based at 40-46 Royal Parade, the former home of Dingles and latterly House of Fraser, significantly increasing footfall in the city-centre, supporting local businesses and services, and helping to breathe new life into the iconic Plymouth building.
Establishing this new facility, in addition to the Dockyard, will enable us to free up vital space at our Devonport site, supporting the continued focus on delivering critical and complex Ministry of Defence programmes in the South West. The investment will also deliver a boost to Plymouth’s economy.
The plans, first announced in June last year, will see some of our employees transition from Devonport Royal Dockyard to the new facility, which will play a key role in supporting long-term operations, while also strengthening Plymouth’s position as a national hub for defence, engineering, skills and innovation.
Harry Holt, Deputy CEO Babcock said: “Securing a location for our new off‑site facility is a significant milestone. Importantly, it will strengthen the capabilities required to deliver this critical work in the defence of our nation. The move reinforces our commitment to Team Plymouth, supporting sustainable prosperity by creating high‑quality jobs, strengthening Plymouth’s economy and accelerating regeneration in the city centre.
“With major investment through the Ministry of Defence in our Devonport co‑located site and new services, including our MoveSmart shuttle bus service, it is an exciting time for Babcock and for Plymouth. We remain committed to this journey with our colleagues, customer and partners, moving forward, together.”
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “Babcock’s announcement that Plymouth city centre will be home to 2,000 workers is a huge vote of confidence; not just in our city, but in our regeneration plans and the future of defence here. By relocating roles into the city centre, this move creates vital space at Devonport for the billions of pounds being invested in new defence infrastructure, equipment, and capability, supporting both our armed forces and the local economy.”
Lord Vernon Coaker said: “With Babcock’s new Capability Centre bringing jobs into the heart of the city, it will boost the local economy and help cement Plymouth’s status as a nationally significant hub for defence, engineering and innovation.
This is exactly the kind of investment we want to see as part of our wider mission to strengthen UK defence and spread opportunity across the country. The power of collaborative working as part of Team Plymouth will unlock Defence driven growth amongst our partners.”
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans said: “This is fantastic news for Plymouth. Babcock’s commitment, bringing 2,000 more people into the city centre, will deliver a major boost to people and businesses. It marks an important moment for the city and shows what’s possible when Team Plymouth partners come together.”
The announcement builds on recent momentum for the city, including Plymouth being named a National Defence Growth Area and the Ministry of Defence’s £4.4 billion investment in Devonport.
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport