Royal Marines set to land new facilities at Dorset base

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is set to deliver new facilities to help Royal Marines establish a permanent base at Bovington Camp, in Dorset, and prepare for operations more efficiently.

DIO has awarded a £14 million contract to industry partner Debut Services that will see new facilities built to provide a permanent base for 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines Armoured Support Group.

Work will start on site in February 2013 to provide new essential facilities to allow maintenance of the Royal Marines' amphibious armoured vehicles. Troops using Bovington’s Armour Centre can rehearse complex manoeuvres using a range of armoured fighting vehicles.

New amenities for the Royal Marines will include new bedrooms for around 120 military personnel and Motor Transport (MT) facilities to service 26 vehicles, which will include servicing, repair bay, covered vehicle parking and stores.

Malcolm Ives, of DIO, said:  “DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations. After assessing the military requirements for Bovington and translating these into construction terms, we are pleased to have awarded this contract to Debut Services.” 

The Royal Marine Armoured Support Group is 3 Commando Brigade’s experts in Protected Mobility and provides manoeuvre support to the Lead Commando Group.   The Armour Centre has a fleet of over 180 Armoured Fighting Vehicles and provides catering and accommodation facilities for up to 2,000 soldiers. 

It also has 10,000 acres of training area, including an 8 km All Weather Driving Circuit and  a 75 km Cross Country Driving Circuit. There are extensive firing ranges capable of accommodating advanced troop fire and manoeuvre exercises.

The contract is DIO’s latest award of work under the Regional Prime Contract (RPC) South West.

Liam Price, Lead Commercial Manager for RPC South West, said: “Our Core Works team has again demonstrated commitment to the customer by responding and working collaboratively with DIO and other key stakeholders.”

ENDS

Further information:

Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Senior Communications Officer   0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk

Notes to editors

1. Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and 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 to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, our heritage is protected and to achieve our environmental goals.

3. 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.

4. Debut manages both the Regional Prime Contract for the South West and the Functional Prime Contract to build, refurbish and maintain Single Living Accommodation for HM Armed Forces (Project SLAM). The Regional Prime Contract South West is now in its eight year with a total of 81 construction projects completed worth £390 million. There are some £40- 45 million of existing orders currently under construction.

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