A significant programme to enhance the facilities at RAF Marham has enabled the accommodation of the new F-35B Lightning II aircraft fleet, significantly bolstering the UK’s defence capabilities.

In May 2017, the Galliford Try/Lagan Construction Joint Venture was tasked with designing and constructing a new aircraft hangar along with associated support buildings, referred to as an operational conversion unit, in addition to reconstructing the base’s two runways.

The resurfacing of the 1,855m runway necessitated the establishment of two batching plants on-site to produce the specific asphalt and concrete required for the new surface, which increased efficiency. The project only halted flying operations for three weeks to resurface an intersection between the main runway and a secondary runway.

The initiative also included the installation of three new vertical take-off and landing pads for the F-35Bs. These pads were constructed with High Temperature Resistant Concrete, capable of enduring the extreme heat and pressure generated by the jets, a material that had never before been produced in the UK.

This work is part of a £250 million Defence Infrastructure Organisation investment programme at the station.

For the upgrade at RAF Marham, we provided the client with a varied team of experienced and skilled supervisors and blue-collar workers, performing and overseeing critical construction tasks. Additionally, we supplied several road sweepers and lorry loaders on a rental basis.