DIO awards RAF Digby SLA contract to Galliford Try and Arcadis

Image courtesy DIO

RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918 but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see four new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks.

Each block contains 69 single occupancy bedrooms with en-suites and the blocks also include kitchenettes, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces.  

The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MoD and wider Government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps. Other energy efficiency measures include provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers, temperature-controlled heating zones, energy efficient LED lighting and electric car charging points.  

The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy.
 
John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.”  
 
Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said: “This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the Service men and women stationed here. Having modern single living accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.  

“This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MoD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.”   
 
Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality, living spaces they deserve.”
 
Construction is expected to start in March.