Kinloss soldiers enjoy upgraded accommodation at Barracks

Some 140 soldiers at Kinloss Barracks are now enjoying improved accommodation at their new base after the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) completed a refurbishment of living quarters.

Works focused on improving and significantly increasing utility, laundry, and shower and toilet facilities across four barrack blocks for personnel from 39 Engineer Regiment who recently moved into Kinloss.

The £800,000 project saw additional corridor fire doors and fire detection equipment added across the blocks. One of the buildings also received new furniture, carpets, decoration and fire doors to each of its 46 rooms, as well as a ground floor disabled en-suite room.

Chris McGarrell MBE Lt Col (Retd), from HQ 51(Sc) Brigade, who supported the project, said:

“I thank the DIO staff for delivering an excellent service at Kinloss Barracks. Priority for the move of 39 Engr Regt into Kinloss was to improve the accommodation within the Barracks as quickly as possible. The unit have now been provided with a completed service which enhances a number of facilities within the barracks.”

Sapper Alex Martin, 22, originally from Plymouth, has been at Kinloss since the Regiment moved from Waterbeach in July last year. When asked to contrast his accommodation at Waterbeach with that available now, he said:

“At Waterbeach I shared a room with three other guys so it is great to have my own room. I now have more floor space, storage and of course my privacy. The refurbishment has made a big difference and we now have a good number of washers and dryers as well as the new utility facilities.”

DIO worked with industry partners Turner Estate Solutions and Robertsons to deliver the project on time. Works were carefully planned, using suggestions from 39 Engineer Regiment, to ensure the project produced the greatest improvement to soldiers’ daily life.

DIO Project Officer Graham Laborda said:

“DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they live, work and train. We are extremely pleased that we’ve successfully delivered this project, providing much improved accommodation for 39 Engineer Regiment following their relocation to Kinloss Barracks.”

Ends

Further information:

Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Communications Manager 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:

Sapper Alex Martin, 22, uses new laundry facilities in upgraded living quarters at Kinloss Barracks.

Sapper Alex Martin, 22, enjoys the comforts of an upgraded bedroom at Kinloss Barracks.

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