A £13million construction project to improve living conditions for soldiers at Imjin Barracks has reached a key milestone, following the arrival on-site of the first modules for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA).
The major infrastructure works at the Gloucestershire barracks are due for completion this summer and will provide 69 new single ensuite bedspaces, along with communal living and kitchen/diner facilities. The project is being delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) on behalf of the British Army, using offsite construction specialist Reds10 and Design and Engineering consultants Arcadis.
Brigadier Richard Brown, Army's Head of Infrastructure Plans said: "This is a significant milestone in building new Single Living Accommodation at Imjin Barracks – the first of over a hundred new SLA blocks due to be delivered across the Army estate. It's great to see the progress being made here which will enhance the communal living experience for our people.
The new modular SLA block is manufactured offsite and features a high-spec interior fit-out, central break-out spaces and increased natural daylight into rooms. The building will use SMART building technology to react to external and internal elements to reduce energy consumption. It has achieved an 'Excellent' rating under the Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM).
Warren Webster, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, MPP Programme Director – Army added: "I am extremely proud of the team. It not only demonstrates DIO's commitment to providing quality accommodation to Service personnel, but also shows the significant benefits of permanent module offsite construction both in terms of speed of delivery and ability to meet demanding carbon net zero targets. This is the first of a number of projects that will follow this proven delivery model."
Paul Ruddick, Reds10 Chairman, said: "The SLA at Imjin Barracks is real, tangible proof of concept for modern methods of construction (MMC). It shows, in practical terms, how MMC can deliver a high quality, fit for purpose product at speed. We are extremely proud to be working with the British Army, DIO, Arcadis, HLM Architects and everyone else involved in this project, it's a true team effort.
Imjin Barracks is the first site to benefit under the Army's Single Living Accommodation Programme, which is investing £1.2billion and delivering 8,500 SLA bedspaces over 10 years. In addition to this, 8,000 SLA bedspaces are being delivered by the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme through new build SLA blocks and refurbishing works, bringing the combined total of SLA bedspaces being delivered over 10 years to 16,500.
Image: (L-R) Brigadier Richard Brown Head 0f Infrastructure Plans (Army), Paul Ruddick Chairman, Reds 10 Warren Webster MPP Programme Director (Army) Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
Source: www.reds10.com
