CONSTRUCTION has started on new and improved facilities for military personnel in Tidworth and Warminster.

The two major infrastructure projects represent an investment of around £13 million at Assaye Barracks, Tidworth, and £37m at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster, under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio.

The schemes aim to enhance operational efficiency on Salisbury Plain.

The DEO Army Programme investment on Salisbury Plain will benefit three units: 1 Medical Regiment (1MED), who are already based at Assaye Barracks, 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment (2RYORKS), who have relocated from Chester to Warminster, and The Royal Lancers, who will relocate to Tidworth from Catterick from 2027.

Following the demolition of legacy buildings at Assaye Barracks, construction is now underway on a new Regimental Headquarters for 1 MED.

The move of 1MED into the new HQ will then free up existing office and working space for The Royal Lancers, who will also receive new storage facilities that have been completed ahead of their arrival.

At Battlesbury Barracks, work is well underway to modernise facilities for 2RYORKS.

Main construction is scheduled to begin this summer and will deliver a new Officers’ Mess, modern Quartermaster facilities and a gym extension. Refurbishment of the Regimental Headquarters has already been completed.

Both projects are expected to complete by early 2028.

Brigadier Grant Kerr, head of army infrastructure plans, said: “The start of major construction at Tidworth and Warminster marks another important step forward in delivering a modernised Army estate.

“Investment in high-quality infrastructure is enhancing the day-to-day experience of our people, while directly supporting operational capability and making best use of the Defence footprint.”

Barry Ray, DIO major programmes and projects team programme manager, said: “I am very pleased that we are now beginning construction with Aspire Defence on the Quartermaster’s Stores, the paired Officers’ Mess and gym extension for the Royal Yorkshire Regiment at Battlesbury Barracks, and the new-build Regimental HQ for 1 Medical Regiment at Assaye Barracks.

“These assets will enhance the experience of service personnel on these sites as part of a £50M investment under the Defence Estate Optimisation Army Programme.”

And Allan Thomson, chief executive officer at Aspire Defence Ltd, added: “Breaking ground at Tidworth and Warminster marks another important milestone in enhancing the Project Allenby/Connaught (PAC) Estate.

“These projects will deliver high-quality facilities that directly support the rebasing of units and improve the day-to-day experience of Army personnel.

“We remain committed to delivering infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of the Army, both now and in the future.”