Landmark for National Maritime Systems Centre

The new maritime centre of excellence at Portsdown Technology Park (PTP) has been handed over to QinetiQ following completion of construction works by VolkerFitzpatrick.

QinetiQ has invested in the creation of the National Maritime Systems Centre (NMSC) to position PTP as the centre of excellence for maritime systems. The project is also supported by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and HM Government’s Local Growth Fund. The NMSC establishes a 21st century systems engineering centre to deliver greater capability and capacity and efficiency to meet the challenges of complex maritime systems development and delivery for UK and International clients.

The Innovation and Collaboration Hub (ICH), sponsored by the Solent LEP and incorporated into the NMSC, will offer opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate with QinetiQ and other tenants at PTP and develop Maritime Mission System offerings for UK and International markets.

The NMSC includes combat systems laboratories in a secure environment, offices, a central glazed atrium, double-height reception area, a 100-seat auditorium and a number of easily accessible meeting spaces. The design of the new facility incorporates a number of features which have contributed to the achievement of an Excellent rating under the BREEAM scheme, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings. A number of tenants have already secured their space in the NMSC, to create a Combat Systems ecosystem. The ICH is attracting SME businesses who will collaborate with existing tenants.

The completion of the construction works represents a significant milestone for the integrated QinetiQ and VolkerFitzpatrick project team who have worked collaboratively and tirelessly over a number of years to achieve this milestone, including overcoming the numerous challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in the latter stages of the project.

QinetiQ’s aim is to create more modern working environments to attract the best and brightest local talent and develop critical skills in complex maritime systems engineering, test, evaluation and research. The Centre of Excellence will position the UK at the forefront of technological advances in Maritime Mission Systems including autonomy, intelligent systems and big data.

Work is now underway to fit out the building ready for occupation by the QinetiQ team and tenants in January 2021. The installation of specialist mission systems equipment has also begun and the new facility will provide delivery of cutting-edge technology and enhanced value to customers.

Stuart Deverill, Managing Director of VolkerFitzpatrick Building Division commented

“It has been a pleasure to work with QinetiQ as their construction partner for the NMSC. The impressive end product demonstrates the true benefits of clearly defined shared project goals and close collaborative working. “

Steve Fitz-Gerald, Group Managing Director of QinetiQ Maritime and Land Division commented “This is truly a momentous time for the team at PTP and more than six years in the making. Construction has not been easy, especially in the last six months with COVID measures in place to keep everyone working on site safe.  Throughout the construction period, the team at PTP continued to deliver to the Royal Navy. We have created a centre of excellence for Maritime Systems to inspire our current and future generations and deliver mission-led innovation for our customers.”

For more information on office space, please contact Philip Holmes in the QinetiQ Group Property Real Estate Team