British defense firm Babcock International is launching a new Capability Center in a former department store in Plymouth, relocating up to 2,000 employees from its Devonport Royal Dockyard facility.
The move will free space for ongoing UK Ministry of Defence programs in southwest England.
The site, previously home to Dingles and House of Fraser, is planned as a long-term operational hub supporting defense, engineering, and innovation.
“Securing a location for our new off-site facility is a significant milestone,” said Harry Holt, deputy CEO at Babcock. “It will strengthen the capabilities required to deliver this critical work in the defence of our nation.”
“The move reinforces our commitment to Team Plymouth, supporting sustainable prosperity by creating high‑quality jobs, strengthening Plymouth’s economy and accelerating regeneration in the city centre.”
Local officials welcomed the decision, with Member of Parliament for Plymouth and UK Defence Procurement Minister Luke Pollard calling it “a huge vote of confidence” in the region that will be backed by “billions of pounds” in defense investment.
Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans echoed that sentiment, saying that the incoming influx of workers into the district will deliver “a major boost to people and businesses,” elevating Plymouth’s status as a critical base for military engineering and innovation.
The development builds on Plymouth’s designation as a National Defence Growth Area and follows a 4.4-billion-pound ($5.9-billion) defense ministry investment in Devonport.
