Willmott Dixon starts £61m defence scheme

Procured through the Crown Commercial Service framework, Willmott Dixon will be delivering technical infrastructure to enable the rebasing of 18 Army Education Centre and 1 Military Working Dogs from St George’s Barracks to Kendrew Barracks. The project, which is being delivered as part of Army re-basing, will deliver 15 new buildings – 11 which will be brand new with four being refurbished or retrofit – and will enable the disposal of St George’s Barracks scheduled from 2026.

The project will deliver some 13,000 m2 of high-quality space, including refurbishment of 110m of hangars. The facilities will comprise 173 new kennels for permanent, isolation and quarantine needs with a vet centre and training facilities, squadron offices and stores for all squadrons, a new gym and the repurposing of hanger B as the Regimental Headquarters and Quartermaster stores.

Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This significant investment from the Army, supported by the DIO, is set to create high-quality facilities for those stationed at Kendrew Barracks. It’s always a privilege to contribute to national defence by making sure the estate meets the needs of those who access and use the facilities.

“Operating on a live barracks, as we will be throughout this project, creates unique challenges in terms of ongoing operations, but our wealth of experience within the sector means we are well positioned to understand and overcome these.

“Works will incorporate DREAM – the environmental assessment tool for new building and refurbishment projects on the defence estate – and we are aiming for high standards across all elements of the project. In particular, the new build elements will be targeting net-zero carbon in operation. With modern methods of construction also set to be used within the kennels structures, the entire scheme has been considered in relation to its current and future impact.”

Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner Army Basing Project Kendrew said: “I am delighted to see the Kendrew Barracks project progressing as part of our ongoing effort to rationalise the Defence estate, provide the right infrastructure for the Army and enable the delivery of the important Military Working Dogs capability.”

Expected to complete in December 2025, the project team working on the scheme also includes architect Corstorphine + Wright.

If you would like to read more stories like this, then please click here