Mini sub gets new home with MK help

Shaped like a submarine, the building houses the reconditioned historic mini-submarine HMSX24, which had previously been installed on an outside site where exposure to the elements was causing deterioration of the submarine. The HMSX24 was one of several submarines that went on daring missions during World War II. These operations included reconnaissance for the D-Day landings, and some of the four-man crews received the Victoria Cross for their bravery.

A Heritage Lottery Fund of nearly £2m helped to finance the construction of the building, which is named after the late Admiral of the Fleet, Lord John Fieldhouse of Gosport, the most senior submariner in history. The ground floor contains a combined information and reception area, plus lecture and corporate entertainment facilities. On the first floor is a new 'Submarine and Science ' gallery containing seven themed aspects of submarine-related topics, such as oceanography. There is also a 60m2 space for temporary exhibitions.

Electrical installation, including the MK wiring devices and Ackermann underfloor boxes, was the responsibility of the Portsmouth Branch of Southern Electric Contracting, this and last year's winner of the Major M&E Contractor Building Services Award. SEC also produced the winner of the 2005 MK Apprentice of the Year, Douglas Orrell, who worked on the Fieldhouse building.

The picture shows the futuristic new John Fieldhouse Building at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport.

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