Work has started on new and improved infrastructure, preparing the site for additional Army personnel relocating from 2029.
Belinda Lunn, Warren Webster, and members of the project team at the groundbreaking. Crown Copyright
Belinda Lunn, Warren Webster, and members of the project team at the groundbreaking. Crown Copyright
A ground-breaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction on £206m of new and improved infrastructure at Beacon Barracks, Stafford.
The new infrastructure will support the Royal Engineers, Royal Military Police, Intelligence Corps and Joint Military Command - Centre, directly contributing to their ability to carry out their roles.
The project, which is being delivered for the Army under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, will prepare the barracks for the relocation of the Royal Engineers Works Groups from Chetwynd Barracks in Chilwell, and 174 Provost Company and 262 Military Intelligence Section from Venning and Parsons Barracks in Telford, from 2029.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracted Bovis to deliver the works, which include two new Single Living Accommodation blocks, each with 116 bedspaces. New workspaces will be built for the Royal Engineers, Intelligence Corps and Joint Military Command - Centre, and a new Police Station will be built for the Royal Military Police.
New storage facilities will be built including a new armoury and several existing buildings will be refurbished to provide further offices, stores, garages, and training facilities. New-build designs include air source heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, rainwater recovery systems, efficient ventilation with heat recovery systems, and efficient lighting systems.
Throughout construction, Bovis will deliver a social value programme, including creating pathways into construction careers with the team facilitating apprenticeships and work placements.
Belinda Lunn, DEO Army Programme Director, and Major Davies, Officer Commanding Stafford Support Unit, ceremonially broke ground on the site of one of the new buildings on 29 October.
Belinda Lunn, Defence Estate Optimisation – Army Programme Director, said:
The start of the main construction phase at Beacon Barracks is a significant milestone in delivering modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for our people. This investment will enhance the day-to-day experience of personnel, strengthen operational effectiveness, and help ensure the Defence estate is used as efficiently as possible.
Warren Webster, DIO’s Major Programmes and Projects (Army) Director, said:
It was a real pleasure to be at Beacon Barracks today, where I’ve witnessed first-hand the excellent collaboration between all of our partners.
Our collective efforts are the foundation of successful delivery of this major investment in the site, allowing it to host additional personnel and directly contributing to Defence capability.
Major Davies, Officer Commanding Stafford Support Unit, said:
This marks the start of the latest of a series of significant investments in Beacon Barracks over the last decade or so. We are looking forward to welcoming colleagues from the Royal Engineers, Royal Military Police, Intelligence Corps and Joint Military Command Centre and will work with our partners in DIO and Bovis to ensure the new and upgraded infrastructure being prepared for them meets their needs.
Andrew Mackay, Managing Director Public Sector, Bovis said:
We are proud to be delivering these important upgrades to Beacon Barracks for the DIO. Through our longstanding relationship with the DIO, we understand the importance of providing modern, high-quality infrastructure and facilities that support our Armed Forces and their families. We look forward to progressing this project and delivering a lasting legacy for those who live and work at the barracks.
Once vacated, the Chetwynd Barracks, Venning Barracks and Parsons Barracks sites will be redeveloped. Nearly 1,300 new homes are planned at Chetwynd Barracks, the largest of the three sites.