MORE than 200 new bedspaces for military personnel are being built in Wiltshire as part of an investment programme in accommodation.

Four new single-living blocks are being built in Upavon as part of a major investment programme to improve standards of living accommodation across the Army estate.

The project is being delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for the Army’s SLA Programme, which is delivering thousands of new bedspaces for service personnel.

Construction works are being delivered by 3D modular off-site construction specialist, Reds10.

In the first phase, a total of five old accommodation blocks on site will be demolished and replaced by 200 modern en-suite bedspaces, in four separate buildings, for both Junior and Senior Ranks.

An older building onsite will also be refurbished to provide 21 en-suite bedrooms, improving on the previous interior layout of 19 bedrooms with shared ablutions.

The new SLA design incorporates feedback from soldiers to ensure it meets their current and future needs. It includes fitted furniture, equipment storage, kitchens, and communal space, the project said.

Brigadier Pete Quaite OBE, Head of Army Infra Plans, said: “I am delighted to see the start of construction works at Upavon to deliver modern, fit-for-purpose, high quality accommodation for our people.

“The significant investment underway at this site demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the facilities that our soldiers need and deserve, and to enhancing the environments where they live, work and train.”

Ground breaking for new Army Single Living Accommodation at Trenchard Lines, Upavon. (From left) Matt Bennion, CEO Reds10; Lt Col Grant Ingleton MC, Head of Establishment, Trenchard Lines, Upavon; Joanne George, DH Major Programmes and Projects (Army), Defence Infrastructure Organisation; Brigadier Pete Quaite OBE, Head Infra Plans, British Army; Kyle Swayne, Project Manager – SLA Delivery Team (Army), Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Warren Webster, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Major Programmes and Projects (Army) Director, said: “A momentous occasion for Trenchard Lines. Major infrastructure upgrade is overdue on this historically important site, so we are delighted to have reached this point.

“The Army’s programme of Single Living Accommodation upgrade was initiated in 2021 and Trenchard is the ninth project to start construction. A fantastic collaboration with our Army colleagues to achieve real progress for the benefit of our service personnel.”

The SLA blocks will include sustainable features such as solar panels, individual thermostats with SMART monitors and a Building Energy Management System, while an all-electric design comprising air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and infra-red panels will also contribute to low energy consumption.

Matt Bennion, CEO of Reds10, added: “We are delighted to announce the ground breaking at Trenchard Lines, marking the official start of our work on the Single Living Accommodation (SLA) buildings in partnership with the Army and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

An example of a bedroom in new Army accommodation, designed using soldiers’ feedback

“Sustainability remains a top priority in our design approach, supporting the Army’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The three SLA buildings are being constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and with SMART technology to achieve the highest energy efficiencies, transforming the lived experience for our armed forces personnel.”

As well as the new blocks at Trenchard Lines, construction on an Officers’ Mess will begin in 2025 to provide a further 69 bedspaces.

The new buildings will be handed over in phases to enable the timely move-in of personnel, with the entire Upavon project due to complete in Autumn 2026.