THE latest stage of HMS Raleigh's redevelopment was officially opened last week. The new facility, part of Raleigh's Seamanship School, will be used to teach sailors how to maintain and carry out running repairs to such items as weapon coverings, rigging, copes and sea survival equipment while at sea. A new centre for cadet training has also been opened to provide accommodation, classrooms and office space for more than 6,000 cadets who come to the base each year for training courses. HMS Raleigh's Youth Training Squadron provides 19 different residential courses for cadets in a number of fields using the whole range of the establishment's training facilities including the fire fighting units and firing ranges. Commodore Pond said: The redevelopment work is part of the "Raleigh 2012" plan to develop the establishment, to meet the future requirements of the Royal Navy, and provide a modern living and working environment for sailors. 'The commissioning of these new facilities means we can now start the demolition of some old accommodation blocks to allow us to provide a brown field site for the construction of a new Junior Rates complex incorporating retail outlets and leisure facilities. 'This will be at the heart of the new Raleigh.' Building work is also ongoing to provide new lecture and showering facilities to complement fire fighting damage control and first aid training. Last year saw the opening of four new en-suite single living accommodation blocks for officers and ratings who are members of HMS Raleigh's Ship's company or who are undergoing training at the base.