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(Photo: Reds10)

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), an operating arm of the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD), has selected Bowmer and Kirkland, ESS Modular, Kier McAvoy, Kier Metek, Laing O’Rourke, and REDS10 to build 16,000 new bed spaces over the next six years.

This forms part of a wider £5.3 billion (€6.2 billion) MOD plan to build or refurbish 40,000 SLA bed spaces over 10 years.

The SLA’s approach is said to focus on modern methods of construction (MMC), with new blocks being built off-site in sections. This is expected to improve the speed of manufacturing, reduce time spent on-site, and minimise disruption.

The designs were developed with sustainability in mind and will contribute to the Government’s Net Zero Carbon strategy, says the Ministry of Defence.

Charlie Hoskins, director of major programmes and projects at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said, “I am convinced this new alliance using a programmatic approach will be crucial to improve our broader delivery of Single Living Accommodation. These blocks are one of the armed forces facilities we build the most, and this approach will ensure we can safely build blocks faster, to a common design, ensuring consistency of standards and driving better value for money.

“Ultimately, this is about improving the living conditions for our armed forces personnel, and every one of our suppliers is motivated by this aim.”

Over the next two years, a hybrid approach will be adopted with the full new approach being used for all projects from 2026 onwards.