Groundwork has started on the renovation of a central shipyard complex that be used for outfitting future Royal Navy Successor submarines.

British Forces News {link:"http://www.bfbs.com/news/",nw} said BAE Systems had announced last year a $459 million modernization of the entire shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, in anticipation of government approval of the nuclear deterrent submarines, which will replace Vanguard-class vessels.

British Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed earlier this week that Britain will order four new Successor submarines. BAE Systems was given an additional Ministry of Defense contract for the final phase of design work on the ships, which will carry nuclear ballistic missiles.

Renovation of the central yard complex is expected to be completed the end of 2017, the British military's news service said.

The central yard complex will include a new manufacturing facility and paint shop.

"The commencement of the Central Yard Complex work is the culmination of three years' planning and preparation," BFN quoted project manager Phil Aspden as saying in the North-West Evening Mail. "It marks a milestone as the first major development on the site in many years.

"The 10-strong BAE Systems project team, who all have roots in the local area, are committed to delivering a building which will secure submarine boat building capability in the yard for the next 25 years and beyond.