The firm plans to recruit 500 workers for its Type 31 frigate programme as the build of The Venturer Building was completed by Robertson Construction.

A commemorative ceremony at the new facility attended by Douglas Chapman MP, employees, industry representatives, local school children and trade unions included a demonstration of two 125 tonne gantry cranes, which will be used to assemble the frigates, with local schoolchildren adding the final touches to the facility by helping to plant bulbs and shrubs around its perimeter.

Measuring an impressive 147m x 62m x 42m, The Venturer Building will initially be used for the assembly of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates, providing a facility that can support UK and international shipbuilding activity for decades to come. As the Type 31 programme continues, the fully covered hall will house two frigates for uninterrupted, parallel assembly and will support increased productivity gains through improved access to the platforms and digital connectivity.

The initial recruitment drive to support the programme will include a variety of trades including welders, fabricators and mechanical and electrical fitters as well as production support operatives. The announcement sees the 500 new roles contribute towards the direct workforce which will peak at the height of the programme at around 1250 people across the UK and will support a similar number in the extended supply chain.

Further opportunities will include operations production management, quality and planning.

Will Erith, chief executive of Babcock Marine, said: “We are delighted to mark St. Andrew’s Day by celebrating the completion of The Venturer Building which builds on our exceptional heritage in Scotland, delivering a very real step change in capacity and capability for modern UK shipbuilding.

“From the start of this programme we’ve been focussing on prosperity, supporting both the UK and local economies and so it is great we are also announcing 500 new roles on the same day who will directly support the Type 31 programme.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the construction of this fantastic building and especially our contractors Robertson Construction. This moment demonstrates further progress in the Type 31 programme and adds to the significant investment over the last decade at our facilities in Rosyth; bringing advancements and efficiencies into manufacturing, build and assembly processes.”

Elliot Robertson, chief executive officer, Robertson Group, said: “The Venturer Building has supported over 500 jobs during its construction through our direct employees and our Scottish supply chain members.  Robertson Construction Central East has been a proud delivery partner throughout the 61-week programme which has been completed on programme and budget.

“We have successfully recycled 100% of the 3,500 tonnes of demolition materials created by the project and have logged 160,000-man hours in the delivery of this prestigious facility.

“We are proud to support Babcock in the delivery of the Type 31 programme and look forward to continuing our working relationship.

“We wish Babcock every success in the new facility and in its recruitment drive as it creates 500 roles to further support the local economy.”

This event follows the first steel cut for the Type 31 Frigate Programme and naming ceremony of the Venturer Building held in September.

The Venturer building has 5,000 steel piles; 9,000 cubic meters of structural concrete; 1,500 tonnes of structural steel and 220 tonnes of bolts.

The project team included architect Oliver & Robb, quantity surveyor Rider Levett Bucknall, civil & structural engineer Blyth + Blyth and M&E engineer Tuv Sud (FES).