Sizewell C has secured planning permission for a major tunnel production facility in Avonmouth, Bristol, which will support up to 400 jobs and strengthening the UK’s nuclear supply chain.

The facility will manufacture 38,500 pre-cast concrete segments as well as the tunnel heads needed to construct Sizewell C’s marine tunnels. Once complete, the components will be transported to Suffolk by rail and sea, supporting the project’s commitment to move at least 60% of construction by these methods and significantly reduce the need for HGVs to travel on local roads.

Located around 10km north-west of Bristol city centre, the development builds on the successful tunnel production facility delivered at the same site for Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C’s sister project.

Nigel Cann, CEO of Sizewell C, said: “Opening this facility and supporting hundreds of jobs at Bristol Port shows once again that Sizewell C is delivering growth and opportunities right across the UK.

“Manufacturing our pre-cast concrete components off-site and delivering them by rail and sea means the benefits will be felt in our host community too – with less construction traffic on local roads.

“It’s also another great example of how we’re using the learnings from Hinkley Point C, which has seen significant advancements through off-site prefabrication, and taking them to the next level. By reusing existing infrastructure and experienced teams, we can reap the benefits across safety, quality, cost, and schedule.”

Expanding the existing site includes building temporary supporting infrastructure such as concrete batching plants, cranes, offices, welfare facilities, storage areas and parking.

Early works are already underway. A total of 55 people, the vast majority from the Avonmouth area, are employed by Sizewell C’s delivery partner, the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), including two apprentices and a summer work experience placement. A further 86 supply chain workers are currently on site.

Subject to conditions being met, production of the tunnel segments and heads are expected to begin in 2028.

An Employment and Skills Plan will be delivered by the CWA in partnership with local authorities, education providers and industry partners to maximise opportunities for local people. The programme will focus on areas including promoting careers in construction, engineering and the nuclear sector through engagement with local schools and expanding access to apprenticeships, work experience placements, internships, graduate programmes and vocational training.