The Scott Brownrigg-designed National Maritime Systems Centre [NMSC] at Portsdown Technology Park [PTP] in Portsmouth has completed.

The Park is the UK’s focal point for design, integration, test, evaluation and front line support for the complex software-intensive systems that deliver the Royal Navy’s’ fighting capability. Commissioned by QinetiQ, the Centre will spearhead technological advances including autonomy, intelligent systems and big data.

Faced with a long-term, strategic need for a facility that is capable of exploiting emerging technologies at pace, Scott Brownrigg designed a Centre that offers 5,195 sq m of state-of-the-art combat systems laboratories, office space, a central glazed atrium, auditorium and a number of other important assets.

Briefed to attract the next generation of talent, the contemporary open plan space provides a modern working environment with views over Portsdown Harbour and Winchesters’ rolling hills. From its prominent position on top of Portsdown Hill, the building is easily visible, with a central glazed auditorium emerging from the chalk rock landscape.

The main entrance to the building rises up as you approach from the road, seeming to peel up and away from the hillside to reveal the entrance reception. Stepping inside, the building is orientated around a ‘heart’, with a layout that reflects the concept of a digital signal, hinting at the work that goes on within its very walls. The floor plates echo the natural rock striations and open up to reveal ribbon windows and external balconies.

As well as being a centre for excellence for maritime systems experts, the newly completed Centre will play a key role in bringing new ideas and job opportunities to the local area. An Innovation and Collaboration Hub (ICH) will offer opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate with QinetiQ and other tenants.

“This is truly a momentous time for the team at PTP and more than six years in the making. Construction has not been easy, especially in the last six months with COVID measures in place to keep everyone working on site safe. Throughout the construction period, the team at PTP continued to deliver to the Royal Navy. We have created a centre of excellence for Maritime Systems to inspire our current and future generations and deliver mission-led innovation for our customers.”

Steve Fitz-Gerald, Group Managing Director of QinetiQ Maritime and Land Division

“NMSC QinetiQ completion has been the work of an extensive team for a long period of time. Scott Brownrigg’s vision helped QinetiQ to shift their attitude to the built environment. Now QinetiQ use the NMSC building as a reference to attract business, talent and a perfect environment to showcase their expertise. I personally feel very proud of this.”

Alejandro Chicharro, Architect