Who are Aspire Defence?

Aspire Defence is a special purpose vehicle (‘SPV’) set up to deliver Project Allenby/Connaught (PAC) for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.

Aspire Defence comprises three related entities: Aspire Defence Limited (ADL) which is owned by three shareholders, KBR (45%) and by funds managed by Innisfree (37.5%) and InfraRed (17.5%), and holds the contract with the Ministry of Defence. ADL also arranged and manages the funding and oversees and manages the two operating companies.  Aspire Defence Capital Works (ADCW) which completed an eight-year construction programme to 2014 under PAC and is now delivering new and improved accommodation to support the Army Basing Programme.  Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL) is delivering facilities management services over the 35 years of the contract; both ADCW and ADSL are 50/50 joint ventures between Carillion and KBR.

What is Project Allenby/Connaught?

Project Allenby/Connaught (PAC) is a PFI contract between the Ministry of Defence and Aspire Defence. PAC began in 2006 and involved the adoption and management of the existing garrison estates at Aldershot and across Salisbury Plain. As part of this remit, Aspire provides the necessary design, refurbishment, construction, financing, and integration of new facilities.

The contract will run for 35 years to 2041 and seeks to upgrade single living accommodation to the latest ‘Z’ standards (single rooms with en-suite facilities) to ensure that Service personnel are properly housed.

What is a private finance initiative (PFI) ?

A PFI is a way of funding public sector construction and services contracts. A PFI project is typically one in which the private sector partner, in this case Aspire Defence, invests in assets and facilities that are then provided to the public sector, in this case the Ministry of Defence/Army.

PFIs are widely used across the public sector. MOD has PFIs for housing, simulators, vehicles, office accommodation and training establishments.

What locations are included within the Project?

Aspire operates at Aldershot and across Salisbury Plain – Bulford, Tidworth, Perham Down, Netheravon, Larkhill and Warminster

What is Z-standard accommodation?

Z standard is the MOD definition for Single Living Accommodation (SLA) requirement – a single room with en suite facilities – the future standard for all trained personnel.

How is Aspire improving things?

Aspire is working with the MOD to enhance the quality of living and working accommodation for serving personnel at Aldershot and across Salisbury Plain.

A key goal is the construction of first class, flexible personal living spaces, which fully meet ‘Z standard’ (single rooms with en-suite facilities). In addition, Aspire provides a comprehensive range of facilities management services to support day to day operations on each garrison.

What services are being provided?

• Management services
• Estate management services (buildings and grounds maintenance)
• Catering services (provisioning, bar service)
• Supply and stores management
• Transport management and equipment support
• Mess services (including housekeeping service and private room support services)
• Office services (administrative support, mail)
• Welfare services and Security services
• Cleaning

Who will be affected by the work Aspire undertake?

Serving personnel benefit from new single living accommodation (including catering and gym facilities), as well as improvements to technical infrastructure on the garrisons (offices, workshops, etc).

Leisure, early years’ and healthcare facilities have or are being delivered outside the garrisons for military and community use.

Will the Project create any additional opportunities?

Yes. In order to meet the needs of our customers, it is vital that we recruit and retain the right people. The Work For Us section of our website details all current vacancies in both the Construction and Services areas.