CONSTRUCTION has started on a huge new assembly shed at BAE Systems in Govan.

A large disused wet basin has been filled in to make space for the structure.

It will be 170 metres long and 80 metres wide, with room for two Type 26 frigates to be constructed side-by-side.

The hall will help enable efficient and safe shipbuilding unaffected by adverse weather.

Up to 500 workers per shift will be able to work in the shed which will have two 100-tonne cranes and two 20-tonne cranes.

Simon Lister, managing director of naval ships at BAE Systems, said: “We are the proud custodians of shipbuilding on the Clyde and our talented teams are working hard to build on that legacy to secure Glasgow’s status as a shipbuilding centre of excellence for generations to come.

“This new hall will give us some of the best facilities in the world and completely modernise our approach to shipbuilding. It, alongside the investments already under way to digitise our processes, will ensure Govan continues to be something that the city of Glasgow can be truly proud of.”

Stephen Charlick, Type 26 programme project manager, said: “The investment and construction of the new ship build hall in the Govan shipyard is welcome news and will modernise shipbuilding on the river Clyde.

“Providing the capability to construct two Type 26 Frigates within a controlled, weathertight facility will greatly improve the working environment.

“Quality will also be improved, and each ship will be more materially complete before moving across to the dry dock in Scotstoun for test and acceptance.

“All of this will culminate in a quicker delivery of the Type 26 Frigates to the Royal Navy.”