Costain wins £70m Trawsfynydd reduction works

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS, formerly Magnox) has appointed Costain as principal contractor to reduce the height of two reactor buildings at the Trawsfynydd former nuclear site in Gwynedd.

The two reactor buildings, now more than 60 years old, have experienced structural wear due to prolonged exposure to the elements.  Set to begin this autumn, the £70m project will reshape the site’s skyline through the partial removal of the upper sections of both reactor buildings, lowering them from approximately 54 metres to 25 metres.

Extensive enabling work has already been completed by Costain, including the installation of new internal roofs at a lower level, major de-planting of the primary boiler sections, and rerouting of electrical supplies to prepare the buildings for partial demolition.  

The programme is expected to take around four years and forms part of a broader plan to transform the site, unlocking future opportunities for development.  

 “This is a pivotal moment for Trawsfynydd,” said NRS chief executive Rob Fletcher. “After years of careful planning and preparation, we're now moving into the delivery phase of one of the most complex and ambitious decommissioning projects in the UK. We’re delighted to be working with our supply chain partners to shape this next stage in the site’s journey, ensuring the work is undertaken safely, securely and sustainably for all our futures.”  

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