THE GOVERNMENT Property Agency (GPA) has confirmed the appointment of Mark Bourgeois as its new Chief Executive Officer. He was confirmed in the permanent position after holding the interim seat for 10 months. Mark brings more than 30 years’ experience in strategic and operational leadership across the fields of investment,
Seddon, a family-owned construction contractor, is set to begin work this month on a significant renovation project at Bromborough Fire Station for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The 31-week project, valued at £1.6 million, will enhance the station’s facilities and contribute to the service’s decarbonisation efforts. The comprehensive upgrade includes
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has announced the appointment of six companies to a new alliance to build Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for the Armed Forces. The six companies – Bowmer and Kirkland, ExtraSpace Solutions, Kier McAvoy, Kier Metek, Laing O’Rourke and REDS10 – will be awarded contracts through an
A NEW government office development in Darlington has been given the go-ahead by planners. The application to construct a 5-storey, 10,000m2 government hub in Brunswick Street, put forward by the Government Property Agency (GPA), has been approved by the town planning committee. The new office on Brunswick Street will build
Leading construction company Henry Brothers has partnered with the Scottish Prison Service to support its workshop joinery training programme, designed to improve employability skills for inmates upon release. As part of its ongoing work with the Dunfermline Army Reserve Project, Henry Brothers has acquired five eight-seater picnic tables produced through
Holtec Britain has announced the successful completion of the first part of the UK Generic Design Assessment process (GDA) for its SMR-300 nuclear reactor. The GDA process is intended to provide confidence to the UK government that the proposed reactor embodiment is capable of being constructed, operated and decommissioned by
VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have staged a topping out ceremony on a £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. A key point has been reached in the construction of the new facility for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop which is
While headlines have revealed the small amount of allocated Levelling Up funding that has been spent to date, the Conservative Party has pledged a further £20m for 30 towns over the next 10 years to add to its long-term plan for levelling up. At a time when many local councils
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been selected by Rolls-Royce as its non-fissile construction partner to help deliver the expansion of its Raynesway site. In June last year, it was announced that Rolls-Royce would be doubling the size of its Submarines site in Derby to meet the growth in
Algeco UK OSS has shared behind-the-scenes images of its latest 75-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) complex at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford. The company has delivered a full turnkey solution, acting as Principal Contractor to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the British Army. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
THE GOVERNMENT Property Agency (GPA) has confirmed the appointment of Mark Bourgeois as its new Chief Executive Officer. He was confirmed in the permanent position after holding the interim seat for 10 months. Mark brings more than 30 years’ experience in strategic and operational leadership across the fields of investment, development and asset management within commercial real estate. He is a former Managing Director for the UK and Ireland division at FTSE listed developer and investor Hammerson plc, and prior to that Executive Director at Capital & Regional plc. He also has extensive expertise in regeneration in partnership with local and city authorities, including acting as Interim Corporate Director for City Development at Liverpool City Council. Georgia Gould MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, said: “Mark has demonstrated exceptional leadership of the Government Property Agency during his tenure as interim Chief Executive over the past year. “With decades of experience, Mark will be instrumental in enhancing the financial and environmental performance of the government estate while delivering world-class workplaces for civil servants nationwide.” Pat Ritchie CBE, the GPA’s chair, said: “I am delighted to confirm Mark in the permanent role, he has already had a huge impact on the leadership of the GPA. “Working closely with the board and executive team, Mark will continue to play a fundamental role in the way property is managed across government and creating great places to work for civil servants, supporting economic growth and local communities. “He and the executive team will further build the agency’s commercial organisational culture, with our client and customer needs being at the heart of this. With Mark’s experience in real estate and building, inspiring and developing teams, he is the ideal leader to take the GPA to the next stage of our development.” Since launching in 2018, the GPA has grown to manage around 1 million sq m of the government’s office portfolio – acting as an expert partner to departments for strategic planning and workplace services including design, property technology and workplace experience. The agency is also responsible for the Government Hubs Programme – bringing civil service teams closer to the communities they serve across the UK. Recent milestones within the programme have included the opening of the Peterborough hub last year which last month was awarded Leesman+, and acquiring 5.5 acres of the former Central Retail Park at Ancoats in Manchester earlier this year which is currently the subject of a public consultation on the future development of Manchester Digital Campus. Mark Bourgeois said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as the permanent CEO at such a pivotal time for the GPA. During my time as interim, the collaborative support from departmental clients has been excellent and I’m hugely grateful to impressively talented colleagues for all their continued dedication and commitment. We’re well placed to further strengthen the GPA culture, deliver financial efficiencies and productivity gains across the civil service, all in support of the Government’s missions. I’m looking forward to the continued challenge.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Seddon, a family-owned construction contractor, is set to begin work this month on a significant renovation project at Bromborough Fire Station for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The 31-week project, valued at £1.6 million, will enhance the station’s facilities and contribute to the service’s decarbonisation efforts. The comprehensive upgrade includes re-roofing the whole fire station, new M&E installations, interior fit-out to modern standards, and implementation of sustainability measures to reduce the station’s carbon footprint. Key to the project is the removal of gas systems and traditional fossil fuel boilers, to be replaced with green energy solutions. This shift towards renewable energy sources is a crucial step in Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s decarbonisation plan, demonstrating Seddon’s continuous commitment to environmental sustainability. The green energy upgrades will not only lower the station’s carbon emissions but also contribute to long-term cost savings and energy efficiency. Another crucial aspect of the project is ensuring the fire station remains fully operational throughout the renovation. Seddon’s experienced team will work closely with station personnel to minimise disruption and maintain emergency response readiness at all times. This commitment to uninterrupted service underscores Seddon’s expertise in managing sensitive, live-site renovations where maintaining functionality is key to public safety. Matthew Sargeson, Operations Director at Seddon Property Services, said: “We’re proud to partner with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on this important project. Our team’s expertise in managing complex, live-site renovations will ensure Bromborough Fire Station continues to serve its community while we deliver these crucial upgrades. This project aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting essential services and promoting sustainability in the built environment.” Anthony Holland, Estates Development Manager at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “The newly refurbished and modernised Fire Station will provide an improved working environment for firefighters and improved facilities for the community. “As Estates Development Manager I am extremely proud to be leading on this key project for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, the works have begun on site and are quite extensive.The scheme will run for approximately 30 weeks while we continue to operate as a live fire station. Operational staff have been supportive and patient through the development of the scheme, from feasibility to work commencing on site.” This project strengthens Seddon’s growing portfolio in the blue light sector, following successful collaborations with other emergency services including Staffordshire Police. The company is also poised to undertake similar decarbonisation projects at additional fire stations in the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has announced the appointment of six companies to a new alliance to build Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for the Armed Forces. The six companies – Bowmer and Kirkland, ExtraSpace Solutions, Kier McAvoy, Kier Metek, Laing O’Rourke and REDS10 – will be awarded contracts through an existing Crown Commercial Services framework. Each company submitted a tender to be considered for the new alliance, which was rigorously assessed on a range of requirements by DIO and their technical support provider, Arcadis. The alliance, which will run for six years, will see 16,000 new bedspaces built as part of a wider MOD plan to build or refurbish 40,000 SLA bedspaces over ten years. The work will improve the lived experience for service personnel occupying those rooms. The appointment of the six companies is part of DIO’s new Programmatic Approach for SLA, which is intended to improve the delivery of new accommodation by finding efficiencies and improving value for money. A library of SLA designs has been created, providing a common base design with variations and flexibility to adapt according to the needs of the site and its personnel, such as the number of rooms required. The design can be used for accommodation intended for short-term occupancy, such as recruits undergoing initial training or for personnel are on exercise on the Defence training estate, as well as permanent accommodation in military bases. While the SLA design catalogue allows for different construction methods, providing flexibility for all accommodation requirements, the SLA Programmatic Approach focuses on Modern Methods of Construction with new blocks built off-site in sections. This should improve the speed of manufacture and reduce the time spent on site, minimising disruption. The designs were created with sustainability in mind and will contribute to the Government’s Net Zero Carbon strategy. The alliance will champion collaborative behavior and innovation to improve delivery, learning from each completed project and using that knowledge to improve the next. Charlie Hoskins, DIO’s Director of Major Programmes and Projects, 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 drive 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. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A NEW government office development in Darlington has been given the go-ahead by planners. The application to construct a 5-storey, 10,000m2 government hub in Brunswick Street, put forward by the Government Property Agency (GPA), has been approved by the town planning committee. The new office on Brunswick Street will build on the success of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), currently comprising Feetham House and Bishopsgate House, both situated in the town centre. With works on site set to begin later this year and completion earmarked for 2027, the modern, energy efficient office complex will be part of the wider DEC, and home to 1,400 civil servants from across a number of government departments. The campus incorporates HM Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, for whom Darlington will be the second headquarters, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Office for National Statistics, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Competition and Markets Authority. It also includes the Department for Education who have been based in Darlington since the 1960s. The DEC forms part of the Government Hubs Programme supporting economic growth across the UK through the redevelopment of brownfield sites or repurposing existing buildings to create efficient, sustainable and productive workplaces. Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, said: “The new development will support Darlington’s economy and allow the Civil Service to draw on talent and skills across the region. This Government is committed to economic growth in every region of the UK and we will get behind cities and towns to deliver new jobs and opportunities for their communities.” Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO, said: “This is excellent news for our departmental clients and for the town of Darlington. We are delighted to achieve planning permission for this development which will help deliver on the Government’s mission in supporting economic growth in the region.It also supports the transformation of the Civil Service through delivery of a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient office complex.” Second Permanent Secretary to the Treasury Beth Russell said: “This is a great step forward in developing the Darlington Economic Campus.With over 920 new civil service jobs already created in the town and 480 more to come, we are offering the opportunity for people in the north east to do government jobs that were traditionally only available in London, making government policy-making more reflective of the communities we serve.” Jo Crellin, DBT, Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports said: “Having the Darlington hub as our second HQ means we can recruit people from all kinds of backgrounds into the civil service, securing this permission will enable us to build on the 250 brilliant staff we already have. The new site will also continue to ensure we are listening directly to businesses all over the UK as we are designing and delivering our support”. There has been extensive public consultation prior to the submission of the Darlington government hub application in March this year. The new hub in Brunswick Street will create extensive employment opportunities in the town, creating wider economic benefits for the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction company Henry Brothers has partnered with the Scottish Prison Service to support its workshop joinery training programme, designed to improve employability skills for inmates upon release. As part of its ongoing work with the Dunfermline Army Reserve Project, Henry Brothers has acquired five eight-seater picnic tables produced through the Prison Service training initiative. Ian Henry, CR Director at Henry Brothers, commented: “As a responsible business, Henry Brothers is passionate about supporting the areas in which it operates and providing opportunities to enhance local spaces. “This initiative embodies our core values, reflecting our commitment to social responsibility and collaboration for positive impact, and we are thrilled that we can give back in a way that benefits the wider community.” Henry Brothers, which has an office in Cardross, Dunbartonshire, secured the contract for the construction of the new Army Reserve Centre in Dunfermline in 2022. The five tables purchased will be generously donated to Fife Council for Dunfermline Public Park, Pittencreiff Park and St Leonard’s Park in line with the objectives of the Park Improvement Strategy. Adele Rae, General Manager at SPS Fauldhouse said: “Individuals in the care of the Scottish Prison Service have been involved in the manufacturing of a range of quality garden products for over 35 years. “The joinery training programmes in our prisons give people the opportunity to gain valuable new skills and qualifications and make positive changes to their lives. “We are delighted to see that their work is benefiting the local community in Dunfermline”. Fife Council’s Convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, Cllr James Calder commented: “Henry Brothers plays a vital role in community support, and its recent generous donation will have a notable impact. “The contributed benches are expected to enhance our outdoor facilities, encouraging increased use of the park and contributing to the improved health and well-being of the local community by fostering a connection with nature. “The success of the Park Improvement Strategy, which seeks to upgrade facilities for residents, workers, and visitors alike, is dependent, in part, on contributions from responsible local businesses such as Henry Brothers and we are thrilled to have their support in this endeavour.” For more information about the company’s’ extensive corporate responsibility programme, visit henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Holtec Britain has announced the successful completion of the first part of the UK Generic Design Assessment process (GDA) for its SMR-300 nuclear reactor. The GDA process is intended to provide confidence to the UK government that the proposed reactor embodiment is capable of being constructed, operated and decommissioned by the highest standards of safety, security and environmental protection required in Great Britain. In addition to the evaluation of Holtec’s SMR-300 technology, GDA ‘Step 1’ also made a positive assessment of the operational readiness of Holtec Britain. This regulatory assessment confirmed that Holtec Britain is a capable nuclear organisation fully qualified and resourced to deliver major nuclear power projects in the United Kingdom. Supported by a £60m investment, £30m of which was secured from the UK government’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund award last year (HH38.18), the Holtec Britain team has now more than tripled in size and has relocated its UK HQ to Bristol in the southwest of the country. The company said that it was pleased by the UK regulators’ affirmative assessment of Holtec Britain, which is backed by its US parent – Holtec International (USA) – as well as Team Holtec members Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. of Korea and Mitsubishi Electric Co. of Japan. Holtec’s plan for the UK includes the establishment of a heavy manufacturing plant in the country to build SMR-300 components mirroring the Company’s existing plants in the United States. Selection of the most suitable site for the manufacturing facility is underway. Dr Rick Springman, Holtec’s President of Global Clean Energy Opportunities responsible for Holtec Britain voiced his optimism for the Company’s SMR-300’s prospects in the UK: “We are proud of our Holtec Britain organization for securing regulatory Step 1 endorsement in record time. We are confident of our capability to deliver SMR-300 plants in numbers needed by the country. It helps that our SMR-300 plant is premised on the PWR technology with which Great Britain is well versed in its civilian as well as naval nuclear program.” Holtec’s SMR-300 is a 300 MWe small modular reactor that is ideally suited for distributed generation, which reduces dependence on heavy inter-regional transmission of electrical power thus improving the resilience and security of the power grid. It is uniquely qualified to reject its waste heat directly to air eliminating the need for time-consuming water use permits. The plant is quite compact requiring ~30 acres for two co-located units. Thanks to its low radiation accretion profile, even under the most severe postulated accident, the plant’s controlled area suffices to serve as its exclusion boundary. Holtec is on track to begin the licensing and construction of two SMR-300 units at the Company’s Palisades site. The shovel-to-startup life cycle of the first batch of SMR-300s is expected to be three years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have staged a topping out ceremony on a £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. A key point has been reached in the construction of the new facility for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop which is relocating from Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, to the Warwickshire base. The project is being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The building will feature space for offices, garages and stores, and is being built at Gamecock Barracks ready for the Troop’s move next year. Now, as it reaches a significant point in construction, a topping out ceremony has been held, attended by representatives from VIVO, Midlands-based construction company Henry Brothers Construction, the DEO Army Programme, DIO, Gamecock Barracks and construction partner William Gough. Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, said: “We are continuing to deliver significant investment across the Defence estate to support military capability and provide modern, high quality working facilities for Army personnel. “I am delighted to see the steady pace of progress on the new infrastructure at Gamecock Barracks, and I look forward to completion of the project next year when the EOD Troop are due to relocate and take full advantage of their new building.” Warren Webster, Programme Director for DIO Major Projects (Army) said: “This is another demonstration of our commitment to increase the pace, quality and volume of Defence infrastructure delivery, by doing things differently. “We are working closely with our colleagues in DIO Regional Delivery and their long-term partner VIVO and its suppliers, to build this important capability. Collaboration remains at the heart of our delivery intent, and when completed, Gamecock Barracks will provide first class Explosive Ordinance Disposal facilities for the central region.” Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, added: “As one of the UK’s largest providers of estate services to the MOD, we at VIVO are involved in a huge array of innovative and important design and build projects for the military. “I am really pleased that we have reached such a key stage in the building of this excellent new facility for the Troop when they relocate and would like to thank our teams across VIVO and our supply chains for all their hard work.” Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “We were honoured to be appointed to build this new purpose-built facility for EOD Troop and very pleased to have now reached the topping out stage. “Henry Brothers has worked on numerous projects at MOD sites across the UK and we are proud to see how this latest project is progressing.” The scheme for EOD Troop at Gamecock Barracks is due to be completed in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
While headlines have revealed the small amount of allocated Levelling Up funding that has been spent to date, the Conservative Party has pledged a further £20m for 30 towns over the next 10 years to add to its long-term plan for levelling up. At a time when many local councils are struggling financially – with some issuing Section 114 notices, and 18 given permission by the government to sell-off assets and delay projects to release cash ahead of the general election – it may come as a surprise that projects with government funding have not yet made progress. However, there are different reasons, as well as solutions, explains Pagabo’s director of national delivery Karen Carter. A report published by the Public Accounts Committee has revealed that despite £10.47bn in Levelling Up funding coming from central government, so far only £3.7bn has been given to local authorities. Given the need for allocated funding to be spent between 2020-21 and 2025-26, there has naturally been criticism of the situation. Moreover, as of September 2023, local authorities have only managed to spend £1.24bn. In reference to the original plan, almost none of the 71 projects that were successful in the first round of funding are on track – despite being due to be complete in March. While this may paint a fairly bleak picture, it has not been smooth sailing since the first round of successful bidders were announced in October 2021. Unusually high inflation has meant project budgets set by bidders when the government funding was applied for are no longer feasible. Add to this the fact that overall council budgets have become tighter, meaning the risk of starting projects without needing to find additional funding is simply too high. Bridging the financial gap would be a solution, but a tricky task to do. 18 councils have been given permission from government to sell off assets to bridge budget gaps and avoid any further council bankruptcies ahead of the election – expected to release £1.4bn in capital resources across 2024/25. The fear here is projects being abandoned altogether, or losing funding allocation due to delays, so another – perhaps more realistic – option is to review project viability and adjust the scope where required. To do this, it’s key that the right people are on board. From procurement professionals through to contractors and consultants, collaboratively engaging on issues and presenting the problems is the only way to find meaningful solutions. With construction projects, it’s the industry experts that can advise what market opportunities could be released to make a budget work hardest. From our conversations with the public sector organisations that have secured Levelling Up funding, it’s not that the projects are completely unrealistic – but they need to be very carefully reassessed to ensure every stage from remediation through to delivery can be completed. Giving credit where its due, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has so far been flexible with projects – allowing many to start late and retain their funding – which is a big relief to local authorities. This flexibility stems from an understanding and awareness of the market changes and challenges that are impacting projects. We encourage those overseeing projects to be proactive in seeking support and to discuss the challenges they are facing. At the Pagabo Group alone, we have a huge range of resources and connections that can strengthen the position of local authorities, giving them the confidence to kick on. For example, we have multiple compliant procurement solutions covering project analysis support, cost modelling, project recovery, along with contractor and developer engagement options to fully analyse the best way forward for a project. But, if the findings from this analysis are not encouraging enough, there is the opportunity to use Loop to strategically demonstrate social value, stakeholder engagement and return on investment. Ultimately, it’s not too late for Levelling Up funded projects and it’s definitely not time to panic. The same goes for the 30 towns promised an injection of funding to support their plans for the future. It’s time for open, honest and optimistic conversations about how to mitigate the impact of current challenges and create impactful, long-lasting change for communities. For more information, please visit www.pagabo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been selected by Rolls-Royce as its non-fissile construction partner to help deliver the expansion of its Raynesway site. In June last year, it was announced that Rolls-Royce would be doubling the size of its Submarines site in Derby to meet the growth in demand from the Royal Navy, and as a result of last year’s AUKUS announcement. In March this year it was confirmed that Australia has committed £2.4 billion over ten years to the UK SSN-AUKUS programme, representing a proportionate contribution to both the uplift of Rolls-Royce Submarines infrastructure, as well as a fair contribution to costs associated with boat design. The increase in demand will see Balfour Beatty build new manufacturing and office facilities as well as the adjoining site infrastructure. The increase in work from the MOD will create 1,170 skilled roles at Rolls-Royce, across a range of disciplines including manufacturing and engineering. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty’s Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement marks an important step forward in ensuring Rolls-Royce has the infrastructure in place to support the strategic requirements of the MOD and the AUKUS programmes. “I’m delighted Balfour Beatty has been chosen to support this critical work for a project that will see us unite our unique multi-disciplinary expertise and experience in delivering large scale complex projects within live, operational nuclear environments.” Rolls-Royce Submarines Infrastructure Director Terry Meighan said: “We cannot deliver against our commitments to the MOD and the AUKUS programme on our own. It will require a strong and reliable supply chain bringing their expertise to enhance and enable the critical work we do. The selection of Balfour Beatty as our expansion construction partner is a prime example of that. “Their experience in delivering major infrastructure, as well as their long history of complex project delivery in secure environments, were important factors in our decision. This is an exciting milestone as we grow our site and our business to meet the enhanced demand for our expertise.” This announcement follows confirmation that leading multi-disciplinary professional services consultancy WSP had been selected as its non-fissile design partner. Balfour Beatty and WSP will work closely over the next decade to bring the Raynesway site expansion plans to life. Rolls-Royce is currently supporting the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components. Additionally, it provides frontline support across the world for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby and supports the submarines when in the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Algeco UK OSS has shared behind-the-scenes images of its latest 75-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) complex at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford. The company has delivered a full turnkey solution, acting as Principal Contractor to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the British Army. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) refers to offsite and onsite techniques, which could include mass production and factory assembly as alternatives to traditional building methods. These are a fast way of delivering new buildings focused on the efficiency of materials and human resources. Modular buildings devised utilising MMC have the potential to deliver significant improvements in productivity and quality for both the construction industry and the end user. They also minimise the work required on-site, which can have added benefits and appeal for those in sectors such as Defence. The solution provided to MOD Stafford is a CTM Leve1 (Category 1) Pre-Manufacturing 3D primary structural system that will be used to house members of the army. The three-storey building, known as Beacon Barracks, is set to offer high-quality accommodation with integral communal areas, as well as a brick slip façade and sustainable features including solar PV and heat pumps. The modules for the barracks were manufactured in Carnaby in East Yorkshire and delivered to the site with a Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) of around 80%. MOD Stafford was designed by AHR Architects, supporting the Algeco UK OSS team on the construction stage and architectural design through its Leeds offices. A full site inspection has now been carried out with strong feedback received by attendees and participants, particularly regarding the overall quality and feel compared to comparative schemes. Volumetric Air tests are carried out on all completed projects and the SLA Block at MOD Stafford has achieved a rating of 1.18. Lee Kenton of Build Energy commented that 1.18 is “exemplary for the size of the building” and “far exceeded” the Passivhaus gold standard of 0.60, with an air change rate of 0.48. The new barracks at MOD Stafford is part of an £800M investment into SLA by the Army over the next decade. This investment into modern infrastructure is set to provide military personnel with the fit-for-purpose accommodation facilities they deserve, as well as contribute to ambitions to become Carbon Net Zero by 2050. Brigadier Pete Quaite, Head of Army Infrastructure Plans, said, “I visited the Single Living Accommodation under construction at Beacon Barracks at the start of this year. To see the finished block just two months later shows the impressive pace of progress being achieved through our modular design and build programme. This new SLA is another excellent example of how ongoing Army investment is improving the quality of life for our people, providing them with modern, spacious and well-designed accommodation.” Wayne Yeomans, Algeco UK OSS Sales and Marketing Director said, “This is modular and offsite construction at its best. I must applaud the Algeco UK team as well as our supply chain partners, including AHR Architects, for making this possible. Working with architects means we have incorporated innovative features into the design, such as solar PV orientation to maximise the amount of electricity produced and optimising the number of overall modules required. “We were selected as the modular building partner by the MOD because of our track record in supplying high quality accommodation on a diverse range of other publicly funded projects, along with our willingness to collaborate with project partners and deliver excellent value for money. “The quality of these solutions is proven by results, like the industry-leading scores achieved in our recent volumetric air test, which is not an easy achievement. We have learnt so much from this project and we are proud this will also help inform the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s future Programmatic Design approach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
