New homes are more than a pipe dream for those based at Faslane

The living quarters at HMS Neptune will be five times the size of Scotland's largest hotel and include a cinema, shopping mall and bowling alley.

The navy said it would be the "biggest and best" military accommodation in the UK when it is completed in 2008.

HMS Neptune supports naval personnel at the Faslane base, which is home to the fleet of trident nuclear submarines.

Work got under way at the site on Wednesday.

If they want a coffee bar we'll build them a coffee bar Commodore John Borley Base commander

Accommodation built in the 1960s will be replaced by 1,754 separate living quarters, all with en-suite facilities.

The new development, which features a hotel-style reception area, will bring an end to separate accommodation for men and women.

The navy hopes that it will encourage more sailors currently stationed in England to move north.

The base commander, Commodore John Borley, said sailors deserved decent living accommodation.

The new mess is due for completion in 2008

"The new facilities will replace sub-standard multiple occupancy accommodation which was built with rooms to sleep up to eight, but which are currently used by four people," he said.

"In this day and age everyone should have some privacy and the new en-suite design will make Faslane a more attractive place for naval personnel to be based.

"The most important thing about this development on HMS Neptune is that it will be built bearing in mind the views of the people who will live in it.

"If they want a coffee bar we'll build them a coffee bar."

Other "lifestyle features" could include an internet caf� or wine bar.