Jessica O'ConnorService personnel are set to benefit from nearly 1,800 new single living accommodation (SLA) spaces as the Ministry of Defence begins the first phase of its new 10-year housing programme.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) confirmed that the projects will be delivered under its Programmatic Approach, a scheme launched last year to modernise accommodation through a common design that meets the needs of today’s Armed Forces while aligning with the Government’s Net Zero Carbon strategy.
Construction partners in the SLA Alliance have now been allocated sites across the UK, including Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, and Combermere Barracks in Berkshire.
The first tranche of work will replace ageing and poor-quality housing, with further sites due to be refurbished or rebuilt over the next decade.
The alliance, which includes Bowmer & Kirkland, Reds10, Laing O’Rourke and Kier, will collaborate over the next six years to deliver the new accommodation.
In total, 16,000 new bedspaces are planned by 2034 as part of a wider commitment to build or refurbish 40,000 units, supporting both living standards for personnel and steady employment in the construction sector.
Warren Webster, DIO programme director for the SLA Programmatic Approach, said: “The Programmatic Approach is already proving successful, with a number of projects underway and others allocated.
“Our new Alliance is demonstrating excellent collaborative behaviours and focuses on continued improvement. Beyond that, we have plans for many more new SLA blocks at sites across the country, benefiting thousands of our service personnel for years to come.”
