DIO delivers bonnie Service homes on the Clyde
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has improved the quality of life for more than 270 military families in Scotland by delivering a multi-million programme of internal and external upgrades to Forces’ homes close to HM Naval Base Clyde.
In support of the Faslane base’s developing role as ‘Home of the Submarine Service’, DIO has worked with its industry partners Turner Estate Solutions, Mansell and the Bell Group, to improve Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in Helensburgh.
DIO has spent over £7 million on the regeneration of the homes near Faslane with a further £3 million planned to be spent in 2013-14. So far this investment has delivered full internal upgrades to 130 properties on the Colgrain estate, with each property getting a new bathroom, kitchen, electrics and insulation.
The programme has also provided external refurbishment to 143 properties at the Upper Churchill estate, which now have new roofs and entrance canopies, modern colours on the external facades and improved gardens with sheds, patios and privacy fencing.
DIO has also delivered new play areas, upgraded roads, footpaths and lighting throughout the area.
Captain Michael Tarr OBE, RN said:
“This is a remarkable success. The material face-lift to Upper Churchill is already translating to a step-change in the community spirit. It provides a clear statement of commitment to both our families and the area, as Helensburgh becomes ‘Home of the Submarine Community’.
“DIO and its partners should feel deservedly proud of what they have achieved, their initiative, enterprise and enthusiasm contributing to delivery of not only exceptional value-for-money, but also rapid delivery of ‘Jam Today’!”
Capt Tarr marked the completion of Phase 2 of the Upper Churchill Project with a presentation to Nic and Petty Officer Trollope, one of the longest resident families. He also opened the new Multi Use Games Area and a young children’s Play Park.
Petty Officer Mark and Nic Trollope said:
“The works carried out by DIO have transformed the estate and made it a nice place to live. The contractors were courteous during the project and have also given us a nice back garden to relax and enjoy the views over the Clyde.
“Any visitors to the estate are very impressed with the standards and I would recommend the accommodation at Upper Churchill to Service personnel moving to Faslane.”
DIO Regional Manager Scotland & N Ireland Andrew Blessing said:
“DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations. The success of this project has been down to the Royal Navy, DIO, Turner Estate Solutions and their supply chain working together and understanding what the Service families’ needs are for the estate. It is outstanding what has been achieved at in such a short time with a relatively modest amount of money.”
He added that Phase 3 of the project was already underway and expects the entire estate of 225 properties on the Upper Churchill estate to receive the upgrade works by spring 2015.
Ends
Further information:
Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Communications Manager on 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
Notes to Editors
1. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is part of the MOD. We are responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties, as well as providing related support services, to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.
2. Our work includes providing, supporting and improving: operational units; single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these and supporting services, such as soft facilities management and guarding, to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, heritage protected and environmental goals achieved.
3. Picture captions - please credit "Crown copyright/MOD 2013:
Captain Michael Tarr and Petty Officer Mark and Nic Trollope
'Before' and 'After shots of SFA in Helensburgh
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