Winchester soldiers get early Christmas present from DIO

Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has given an early Christmas gift to Winchester soldiers with the delivery of new bedrooms at the Army Technical Foundation College (ATFC(W)).

Working with its nationwide industry partner Debut, DIO has completed three blocks of new accommodation for permanent staff at the college. The buildings were delivered under the Single Living Accommodation Modernisation (SLAM) project.

Built to replace existing outdated accommodation, the housing comprises of 12 Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) bedspaces and 95 Junior Ranks bedspaces. The old accommodation will be demolished and the area landscaped for future use.

ATFC Quartermaster Major Pete Ross said:

“This project has progressed like a dream with everyone involved working together exceptionally well to produce accommodation which has been received very positively by the junior ranks here at the ATFC (W).

“This new accommodation has made an enormous difference to the soldiers’ quality of life. Everyone involved in the project can be rightfully proud of their achievement, knowing that our men and women are very comfortable in their brand new rooms watching seasonal films and eating mince pies.”

ATFC Winchester was established in September 2010 and brings 16 and 17-year olds into the Army and trains them as Junior Soldiers to pass the Phase 1 Common Military Syllabus course. 

The 23-week course develops Junior Soldiers' individual and team skills, preparing them for Phase 2 training, where they learn the specific skills for their chosen Army trade.

Speaking about his new room, Sgt Jeff Brown, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), said:

“The new SNCO Mess SLAM accommodation is a massive improvement over my previous Mess accommodation. The quality of finish and standard of workmanship is fantastic and of a very high standard.

“Having a personal en-suite shower, storage room, ample amount of electrical sockets, plus easy internet connection means that I can truly have my own personal space rather than sharing with other mess members.

“I certainly enjoy retiring to my new SLAM accommodation at the end of a long and busy working day in the Armoury Shop.”

Project SLAM is working to improve single living accommodation for Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel.

DIO project focal point Howard Sims said:

“Supporting our Armed Forces in preparing for operations is the top priority for DIO and it is important that our frontline troops of the future have the best possible facilities.

“This project was delivered on time and to cost and provides top quality living accommodation for both senior and junior ranks at this key training facility.  The standard of the finished building and external areas is a credit to the project team.”

Ends

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 to support current operations.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 environmental goals achieved.

2.    DIO was formed on 1 April 2011 when the former Defence Estates (DE) organisation was brought together with other property and infrastructure functions within department to form a single organisation. DIO manages the MOD’s property infrastructure and ensures strategic management of the Defence estate as a whole.

3.    Debut is a Joint Venture company between Bovis 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 Bovis 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 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).

4.   Picture Caption – please credit ‘Crown copyright/MOD 2011’: Sgt Jeff Brown in his new room at the Army Technical Foundation College, in Winchester.

Further information:

Press enquiries to: Tony Moran. DIO Senior Communications Officer

on 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk

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