Construction begins on Babcock Australasia’s $31m defence facility on Torrens Rd

The state’s defence industry has reached another milestone with construction starting on a major manufacturing facility. See the flyover video.

Construction is underway on a new $31m defence manufacturing facility that will help support the state’s land and naval defence programs.

South Australia’s leading developer Commercial and General has announced the partnership with Babcock Australasia for construction of a 4000 sqm purpose-built integrated facility at a Torrens Road site in Adelaide’s western suburbs.

The manufacturing and maintenance building will underpin Babcock’s delivery of support to programs including in-service sustainment for the Collins-class submarine fleet.

The project will also include development of a separate 2000 sqm administrative support building while the remainder of the one hectare site is being kept in readiness for potential expansion to cater for future AUKUS support.

$31 million defence facility for Babcock Australasia at Woodville North. Picture: Babcock

Ground breaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction of new $31m defence facility for Babcock Australasia. Picture: Russell Millard

About 200 construction jobs will be supported through the build process while also allowing Babcock to grow the number of ongoing highly skilled jobs from 65 to more than 100 on build completion.

Premier Peter Malinauskas attended a ceremony to launch the start of the construction on Monday morning.

“Preparing the infrastructure and skills to support this defence capability is critical, and it relies on strong partnerships such as this one between Commercial & General and Babcock Australasia,” he said.

“Facilities like this will act as a beacon to young South Australians seeking a career that offers huge opportunities.”