The Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced that over £1.1 billion will be invested in creating new accommodation and facilities to meet the needs of the modern Armed Forces.
As part of Project Allenby Connaught (PAC) initiative, the 25 year contract awarded to Aspire Defence Limited will create 200 jobs in South West England. A number of apprenticeships with local colleges will also be set up as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) retains its proud place as the single largest apprentice employer in the UK.
Mr Fallon made the announcement during a Defence Select Committee hearing on the delivery of the SDSR.
There will be significant investment on Salisbury Plain and in Aldershot into new and modern ‘Single Living Accommodation’ (SLA), with more than 2,600 bed spaces created. New and improved technical, office, catering, retail and leisure facilities will also be provided to make sure that soldiers work and live in the best possible environment.
The new infrastructure will support forces returning from Germany under the Army Basing Programme which was set up to deliver Army 2020 as part of the Government’s 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) commitments. The construction programme is scheduled for completion by 2020, meaning all British Army units based in Germany can return to the UK by then, resulting in savings of up to £240 million per year by 2022/23.
Mr Fallon said:
“Our armed forces deserve facilities and housing that match the need of this generation. We’re committed to delivering a better defence estate; ensuring our Armed Forces are properly supported and provided for. With our defence budget secure and rising to 2020 will can now properly invest in: our soldiers, their families and communities.”