Sheffield architects to design £160m UK base for American fighter jets

Sheffield architecture practice HLM has won a national competition to design a new £160m base for US fighter jets in the UK.

HLM will work alongside engineering and construction joint venture Kier-VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver the nine-figure MoD project, which includes an F-35 flight simulator, maintenance unit, hangars and storage facilities at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

The flight simulator will have the ability to connect with other simulators used across the UK and further afield, enabling British and American pilots to train together and share expertise.

Once operational, the airbase will serve as the first permanent international site for the US Air Force’s F-35 planes in Europe.

HLM will work alongside the Kier-VolkerFitzpatrick joint venture

Mick Scherdel, director in HLM’s studio at Tudor Square in Sheffield, said: “Since the Defence Academy 2000, we at HLM have been improving and enhancing training, living and learning across the UK Defence Estates.

“RAF Lakenheath will benefit further from our recent experience on Project Wellesley, DCLPA Worthy Down and Catterick Garrison.”

He added: “This is a significant success for HLM and the team in our Sheffield studio will be leading this activity.”

James Hindes, Kier’s managing director of aviation and defence, commented: “It builds on our extensive expertise in the defence sector delivering first-class projects within secure environments including facilities at MoD Lyneham and RAF Shawbury.”

At the height of construction work on the new facilities, it is forecast that there will be as many as 700 personnel on site.

Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood said the upgrade at Lakenheath will bring “substantial benefits to the local economy”, including 1,000 new personnel and their families.

He added: “We will work hard to ensure that the benefits will last long after construction ends.”

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