Named in tribute to Janet Harvey, one of many women who took on vital industrial roles during the Second World War, the opening ceremony honoured both the city’s historic legacy and its future. Janet’s nieces joined the Lord Provost to cut the ribbon across the immense hall door, formally marking the beginning of a new chapter in shipbuilding.
“This is a symbol of pride not just for our skilled workforce who bring these ships to life, but for the entire city,” said Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business. “The Janet Harvey Hall marks a major step forward for shipbuilding in Glasgow and will help enable efficient and safe shipbuilding for decades to come.”
The new facility spans 170 metres in length and 80 metres in width and is equipped with two 100-tonne and two 20-tonne cranes. Its vast interior allows for two Type 26 frigates to be constructed side-by-side, with HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham currently under assembly within the hall.
BAE Systems’ wider Glasgow operations are also progressing, with HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff in the outfitting phase at Scotstoun, and steel having been cut for HMS Sheffield. Designed to accommodate up to 500 workers per shift, the Janet Harvey Hall will allow full ship construction under cover, shielding operations from adverse weather and improving efficiency.
“This investment by our industry partner, BAE Systems, underscores the commitment to equipping our armed forces,” said Stephen Charlick, MOD DE&S Type 26 Resident Project Officer. “The Janet Harvey Hall brings an improved approach to warship assembly and outfit, driving quality throughout the build.”
The hall is expected to enhance schedule performance and reduce time between ship deliveries, playing a crucial role in the delivery of eight new Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy. These ships are vital to protecting the United Kingdom and its interests from evolving global threats.
