MOD picks Laing O’Rourke to deliver new Surrey training facilities
Dartford-based construction firm Laing O’Rourke has been chosen to deliver new facilities for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) at Alexander Barracks in Pirbight, Surrey.
The facilities will provide basic training to non-infantry units in the British Army.
It comes as part of the £5.1bn Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) programme, which will see the Sir John Moore Barracks in Winchester and Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham closed and replaced by a new ‘centre of excellence’.
Laing O’Rourke is among the seven companies who signed up for the MOD’s strategic alliance contract to deliver better structured and more sustainable estate for the military.
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Martin Staehr, director of UK building at Laing O’Rourke, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this work from the MOD and are proud to deliver a modern army barracks that will improve the facilities available to those who keep our country secure.
“The strategic alliance approach represents best practice in terms of public sector procurement.
“It’s highly efficient and enables vital collaboration on elements that are critical for successful delivery, such as standardisation of design.
“This means we can fully deploy our manufacturing-led operating model and use modern methods of construction to improve programme, quality, sustainability outcomes and worker safety.”
The new facilities will comprise single living accommodations for permanent staff and recruits, mess facilities for officers and non-commissioned officers, a combined training centre, and two headquarters offices.
They’ll also feature an improved medical and dental facility, reception centre, guardhouse and tailors, a new nursery for service families and the local community, and additional facilities for the Army Leadership Studies Centre.
Major General Richard Clements CBE, director of army basing and infrastructure, added: “The significant investment announced at Alexander Barracks Pirbright will deliver critical infrastructure to support the British Army’s future capability and operational requirements, as set out in Future Soldier.
“In addition, the project will enhance quality of life for soldiers embarking on their army career, ensuring they have access to modern, high-quality facilities to support them throughout their initial training.”
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