Nuclear missile submarines are refitted at Devonport

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced more than �150m will be invested in the facility.

When the facility is complete, it will enable the MoD to restart its programme of defuelling nuclear-powered boats in 2012.

Devonport Management Limited (DML) will oversee the new works.

The �150m investment will be added to the existing partnering agreement between the MoD and dockyard operator DML.

Construction of the works is also positive news for the South West economy Lord Drayson

Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support, Lord Drayson, said: "Providing a new facility for de-fuelling decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines underlines the MoD's commitment to managing the nuclear fleet in the safest possible way."

He added: "Construction of the works is also positive news for the South West economy with 500 staff from DML and its subcontractors involved in creating the facility and 250 working on the de-fuelling programme long-term."

The new facility will comprise of a low-level reactor access house, together with a short specialised rail track, which will safely remove the used fuel from the submarines and away from the dock.

Used fuel will subsequently be transported to Sellafield for safe disposal.

Naval Review

On Wednesday Defence Secretary Des Browne announced the future of Devonport Naval Base was secure. There had been fears that it could close as part of the MoD's naval review. However, Devonport missed out on building two new aircraft carriers, the largest ships ever commissioned by the Royal Navy.

Mr Browne told the Commons that it will remain open, although some cuts may be necessary.