DIO delivers new accommodation for Armed Forces in Andover

Army personnel based in Andover are benefiting from brand new living accommodation thanks to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

DIO worked with Debut Services Ltd, a joint venture between Lend Lease and Babcock, to create the 72-bed Elixheim building, which has been officially declared open.

The facility, which will be used by junior and senior officers, was delivered at the Army Headquarters as part of DIO’s Single Living Accommodation Modernisation (SLAM) programme, an ongoing project to provide new and refurbished living accommodation for the Armed Forces. It is the fourth block to be completed at the site and will be instrumental in bringing Army Headquarters staff together in one place, leading to more effective working.

It also means that service personnel will no longer have to seek accommodation in hotels, giving them greater flexibility.

The three-storey building has a kitchen and bathrooms on each floor. Senior officers benefit from a large bed space with bathroom and living area, while the junior officers are provided with a bed space and ensuite shower rooms.

The living block was officially opened by Major General Tyrone Urch, Chief of Staff, Land Forces, at a special ceremony. He said:

“I’m delighted to open this building. I know it’s going to be full very quickly. It will be great for the Army because it will get people out of hotels. Thank you very much for everything everyone has done in contributing to it. It’s been a master class effort.”

David Graham, DIO’s Deputy Head of Projects, who is responsible for SLAM, added :

"Project SLAM has consistently delivered first class single living accommodation for the Armed Forces across theUKand this new building is no different.

"We know that the occupants greatly appreciate the Project SLAM accommodation which demonstrates DIO’s commitment to improving the living standards for Service personal.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Project SLAM Integrated Project Team, prime contractor and supply chain members and all those involved, who have contributed towards this project.”

Andy Hill, Lend Lease and Debut Project Manager, said:

“I am always extremely proud to showcase our ability to create high quality space and accommodation for our military personnel.

“We have successfully completed more than 21000 bed-spaces over the last eleven years for DIO and the MoD across the country, which equates to more than 115 projects totalling more than £1 billion.

“During this time, we have created a brand, which has a high level of consistency, appearance and performance, and have gained a reputation for providing certainly of delivery and best value.”

ENDS

Press enquiries to Emma Sloper, Communications Officer 0121 311 2418 or email Emma.Sloper100@mod.uk

DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio

Twitter: @mod_dio

 Read DIO’s blog: https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/

Notes to Editors       

1) The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) plays a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing what the men and women who serve our country need to live, work, train and deploy on operations.

2) DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is 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.

3) Our work includes supporting operational units by providing and improving single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, and its heritage is protected, and to achieve its environmental goals.

4) Debut Services is a Joint Venture company between Lend Lease and Babcock International Group and was formed in response to the MOD's Prime Contracting Initiative to drive efficiency and best value across the defence estate. Debut benefits from the proven global strength of Lend Lease, one of the world's largest real estate solutions providers, and Babcock International Group’s recognised proven track record as one of the UK’s largest providers of property management services. Debut manages the Functional Prime Contract to build, refurbish and maintain Single Living Accommodation for HM Armed Forces (Project SLAM) and Regional Prime Contract for the South West.

5) Photograph credits:

David Graham, DIO’s Deputy Head of Projects and Major General Tyrone Urch declaring the new building open. (Crown Copyright)

Exterior view of the new Elixheim building. (Crown Copyright)

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