New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming

New facilities have been handed over to the Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming in Northallerton, marking the first project to do so under a landmark contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The Air C2 (Command and Control) Force is responsible for 24/7 air surveillance of the UK, assigned NATO airspace and other overseas locations, as well as directing military air systems to safeguard the UK and its NATO allies.

Construction began in September 2025 on the c£15 million project to deliver new offices and a 32-bed Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block, providing essential infrastructure that will enable the RAF to make best use of its estate while also delivering capabilities which are critical to Defence.

How this key project was designed, developed and delivered

Construction has been managed on behalf of the MoD by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), with Galliford Try awarded the contract to develop the design and deliver the required infrastructure at RAF Leeming and Arcadis supporting with design assurance.

This was both the first project to break ground and the first to complete under a contract that was signed in 2023 to deliver key projects under the MoD’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio. DEO is the single biggest estates change programme within Defence, investing in a smaller, more efficient estate.

This landmark contract for MoD saw seven contractors agree to deliver a large number of regional packages of work in one process. This allows them to share best practice and innovative design options that focus on meeting the needs of UK military personnel while enabling a consistent approach to sustainable building practices.

Energy efficient power and construction methods provide more sustainable facilities

Both the office and SLA buildings at RAF Leeming used a pre-cast concrete construction system which delivers high levels of air tightness and energy efficiency. The buildings are heated with air source heat pumps, powered in part by solar panels and utilise harvested rainwater, creating sustainable facilities that are cost-effective to operate and maintain.

At an event to mark the occasion, the buildings were handed over to Air Officer Commanding 2 Group Air Vice-Marshal Anthony Lyle and Commander Air Bases, Air Commodore Simon Blackwell, by DIO, with the project team and contractors in attendance.

DIO’s project manager Nicola Bond said: “Air C2 Force can now complete their move to RAF Leeming, where we have delivered new sustainable infrastructure to support their vital work. Since relocating from RAF Scampton in 2022, Air C2 Force has been based at RAF Leeming, RAF Boulmer and RRH Staxton Wold and it is wonderful to be bringing this journey to a successful conclusion.

“This project, like any, has brought challenges but the collaboration between the RAF, DIO and external partners has been key to a successful build completion and handover and I am very proud of the infrastructure my team has delivered.”

Outside of the project, Galliford Try has given back to RAF personnel stationed at RAF Leeming by funding and refurbishing the site’s Cinebowl as part of a social value initiative. The Cinebowl provides entertainment and recreation facilities to the Service families based at the remote site and contains a cinema and 10-pin bowling.