Contract awarded to modernise Defence estate in East Midlands

Above: Major General AJ Smith, Director Army B&I, Belinda Lunn DEO Army Programme Director, with reps from DIO, the Army and Bovis at the official contract signing held at Army Headquarters.
Crown Copyright 

Army personnel in the East Midlands are set to benefit from improved living, working and training facilities, following the announcement of a new contract that will deliver infrastructure investment at two locations on the Defence estate.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has contracted Bovis Construction Limited to deliver a £237 million construction contract at Kendrew Barracks and Bulwell Army Reserve Centre (ARC).

The project is being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, a £5.1 billion investment in more modern and sustainable infrastructure that meets future operational requirements and enhances the lived experience of military personnel. 

The DEO Army project will see Bovis deliver a combination of new buildings and refurbished assets across both sites.

At Kendrew Barracks, Single Living Accommodation for junior ranks, regimental offices and medical and catering facilities will be delivered alongside additional supporting infrastructure.

Investment in Bulwell ARC will provide a band practice facility, unit offices and secure storage facilities. 

Major General AJ Smith CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure said: "This investment in new and improved infrastructure at Kendrew Barracks and Bulwell Army Reserve Centre will deliver significant and long-lasting benefits for our people. The project will improve quality of life for both Regular and Reserve personnel, while supporting military capability and delivering a more modern, sustainable estate."

Warren Webster, DIO MPP (Major Programmes & Projects) Programme Director – Army, said: "Signing this contract with Bovis represents another successful milestone in our portfolio of projects to modernise the estate and deliver value for money for Defence. Through projects like this, we are providing high quality infrastructure that meets the current and future needs of the Army and improves the lived experience of military personnel."

In addition to improving living, working and training environments, the Kendrew Barracks project will support unit cohesion and operational effectiveness, with the Barracks becoming home to 36 Engineer Regiment who will relocate from Invicta Park in Maidstone.

Other units will move from Grantham, Telford and Nottingham to enable the disposal of several sites. 

Andrew Mackay, Executive General Manager Regions, Bovis said: "We are delighted to have secured the contract to deliver new infrastructure at Kendrew Barracks and Bulwell Army Reserve Centre. As a longstanding and valued client, we have worked closely with the DIO since 2011. We are now focused on delivering this latest phase of works to the very highest standard, providing modern, sustainable facilities that will serve our Armed Forces well into the future."

Following ongoing design and development work, construction is scheduled to start in autumn 2026.