Our construction programme delivering new and improved defence infrastructure for soldiers across Salisbury Plain has reached a significant milestone, following the official handover of brand new officers’ single living accommodation at Tidworth Garrison.

The 50-bed junior and senior officers’ block was delivered by Aspire Defence for the Army Basing Programme, which involves the return of troops from Germany in 2019 and numerous unit relocations in the UK.  It is just one of around 130 new build assets that will be completed by Aspire Defence Capital Works across Salisbury Plain Training Area and at Aldershot by 2020.

At the handover of the building on Tuesday 21 August, Kieran Ward, Army Basing Programme (ABP), Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said:

“We’re very pleased with construction progress across the project and the ABP remains on track to deliver the infrastructure soldiers require and deserve.  This asset is just one example of the significant investment being made under the ABP to deliver a better defence estate.”

In all, over 2,500 new bed spaces are being provided in modern, purpose-built single living accommodation (SLA), which offers soldiers private en suite bedrooms and communal spaces including a lounge, kitchen and utility areas.

Additional SLA blocks, headquarters, diners, technical assets and sports facilities are under construction or already complete across four garrisons within Salisbury Plain Training Area, with further assets being delivered at the ‘home of the British Army’, Aldershot.

Also present at the handover, WO1 Michael Avant RLC, Garrison Sergeant Major, said:

“The Army Basing Programme will greatly benefit our Service personnel with fit for purpose accommodation and excellent working and recreational facilities which are well suited to modern day soldiering.”

Allan Thomson, Chief Executive, Aspire Defence Limited, added:

“We’re working hard to ensure that buildings are completed and handed over safely, on time and to budget.  The first-rate accommodation being delivered by Aspire Defence continues to meet our customer’s needs and make soldiers’ lives better.”

Photo:

Handover of officers’ single living accommodation delivered by Aspire Defence for the Army Basing Programme at Tidworth Garrison.  Left to right: Steve Carey, Project Manager (Aspire Defence Capital Works), Allan Thomson, Chief Executive (Aspire Defence Limited), Kieran Ward, Army Basing Programme (Defence Infrastructure Organisation); WO1 Michael Avant RLC, Garrison Sergeant Major, TidNBul Garrison.