A plan to redevelop Govan Shipyard has been drawn up which would modernise the yard and is hoped would help attract future orders.

The plan by owners BAE Systems is to demolish existing buildings on the site, including an historic A-listed engine shed, and extend the current shipbuilding shed back towards Govan Road.

It would allow ships to be built entirely indoors and allow the shipbuilding operation to be under cover.

The plans are at an early stage with a Proposal of Application Notice and location plan submitted to Glasgow City Council.

Work would not start until at least the end of next year but BAE said if it goes ahead it would create infrastructure which will strengthen the position for securing future work.

The proposal includes “construction of a new shipbuilding facility by way of extension to the existing Ship Block and Outfit Hall, including demolition of buildings, including the category A listed former Engine Works building, and associated works”.

The Engine Works building has to be demolished to make way for the extension on the Ship Block and outfit Hall.

Glasgow MSP and former BAE employee, Paul Sweeney said that it should be retained in some way.

Glasgow Times:

The Labour MSP said: The engine building shop dates back to the 1870s and is one of only three remaining on the Clyde.

“BAE will need to justify demolition of a listed building.

He said the development will be good or shipbuilding on the site and for the workforce who will be able to work indoors.

He said: “Having facilities built in the 1980s is not ideal for building modern warships. This is better than the current situation.

However, he wants BAE to retain the heritage and history in some way.

Sweeney added: “It could be dismantled and moved to another location or he frontage could be retained as part of the new development.”

He added: I am talking to BAE and we have had positive discussions about addressing the issue of preserving the building.

“It would have to come down but we need an appropriate way of salvaging it.”

BAE said the future of the A listed engine works is something that will be part of the consultation and discussions around a suitable solution are ongoing.

BAE had a previous plan to build a ‘frigate factory’ at Scotstoun with indoor ship halls which would have been a £200m investment, which it later abandoned.

The Govan plan is nowhere the scale of the frigate factory but it will modernise the operation on the south of the river.

A BAE Systems spokesperson said: “A programme of investment is already underway to improve the infrastructure that enables the safe design, construction and commissioning of the complex warships that we build for the Royal Navy here in Glasgow.

“As part of this activity we are exploring further opportunities to modernise our facilities and ensure we are best placed to deliver current and future customer commitments.”

An online consultation will start and plans are expected to be able to be viewed on a website by interested parties from mid-December to mid-January.

There is not price tag yet for the proposed development.