25-06-2025
Glasgow's new ship hall named honour of pioneering woman
BAE Systems Naval Ships officially opened the Janet Harvey Ship Hall at Govan, in honour of an 18 year-old electrician who served in the yard during World War II.
Two of Ms Harvey's nieces, June Cofflet and Lynne Vernall, were the guests of honour, cutting the ribbon with Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren.
The 13,000 sq metre hall has two 100-tonne cranes and two 20-tonne cranes inside.
HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are being built in the hall.
Jen Blee, BAE systems manufacturing and facilities director, said the story of Janet Harvey connects the past with the future.
(Image: PA)
She said: Janet Harvey on her 18th birthday, had three choices. Join the army, become a welder of an electrician.'
She chose the latter and Ms Blee added: 'She was made redundant when the men returned from the war.
'So often facilities are named after prominent men but achievements of women are forgotten.'
As well as honouring the contribution of Janet Harvey and the many other women who stepped in during wartime to keep production going BAE said the new hall is a commitment to the future and future workforce.
Ms Blee added: 'This hall also acts as a beacon for a new generation of shipbuilders who join our great endeavour.'
June Cofflet, said: 'Janet would have been absolutely delighted to have the ship build hall named after her.
'She was so very proud of the work she did during the war.
'She had great memories of her time working on the Clyde and felt that the work she did made a difference.
'As a family, we are delighted that BAE Systems has chosen our aunt's name to go on the ship build hall, it is a real honour.'
Workers at the yard joined the family and other VIPs for the opening ceremony.
(Image: newsquest)
Ritchie Linford, general manager of the Janey Harvey ship hall, said: 'This is a place where ships, for generations, will be built.
Already, 100 staff are working in the hall of the two frigates and eventually, said Mr Linford, there will be around 1000 working on three ships at a time.
Building them under one roof, he said, will be 'more efficient'.
He added: 'The building will set a new standard just as the ships will.'
(Image: newsquest)
Kenny Smith GMB union convenor, said: 'It is right we tip our hats to the past and in naming the hall after Janet Harvey, we do that.
'Her name will be remembered with every ship that passes through here.
'And it's about the future. It's great to see the resurgence of this yard. This hall will be a huge part of the future generations to come.'
Janet Harvey, after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Glasgow Caledonian University aged 96, died in 2023 aged 101, on November 11, Armistice Day.
