6 December, 2024 AIMP, News stories

An aerial view of a runway near water with a large blue building nearby

Welcome to our third Postcard from Rothera Research Station, giving you an update on the latest progress as we modernise our largest station in Antarctica.

Summer season in full swing

The new season is busily underway and all areas around the Discovery Building, our new science and operations facility, and the runway have been cleared of snow and made ready for the new season of modernisation.

Our vehicles are up and running after the winter along with the workshop where we service them. This means one of the large cranes was in place to play a key part in unloading cargo when the RRS Sir David Attenborough arrived at Rothera on 19 November. The ship’s arrival on station brought more of the construction team on site to continue the work on modernisation.

The focus this season is on the interior fit-out of the new building; the mechanical, electrical and plumbing work which underpins critical services across the station, including power, water, heating and data. We’ll also be working on the fire protection system, and external work including the wind deflector, drainage on the site for the sewage treatment plant and temporary works including construction of an access road which allows us to get everything into the Discovery Building.

The busy summer season means we’ll be ready for the big moment when the new building is handed over to BAS in April 2025.

Progress:

The interior fit-out is progressing well with the team painting and decorating across the building, including the climbing wall ceiling. The team are continuing to work on installing the firestopping and partitioning the rooms and internal spaces.

A white ceiling being painted
Painting the climbing wall ceiling Credit: BAM

Did you know? The new plant room in the Discovery Building, due to be completed and operational in March 2025 will control all the life support services for the station such as electricity, drinking water, drainage, fuel and communication including fire alarms. The Discovery Building really is the beating heart of Rothera!

The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), is part of the UK Government’s long-term investment in the Polar Regions. The programme is delivered in partnership with construction partners BAM, Ramboll, Sweco and Hugh Broughton Architects.