A ground-breaking event has taken place at Trenchard Lines to mark the start of construction on new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks. The project is being delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for the army's SLA Programme, which is creating thousands of new bedspaces for service personnel. Construction works are being delivered by 3D modular off-site construction specialist Reds10.
In the first phase of the Upavon project, a total of 5 old accommodation blocks will be demolished and replaced by 200 modern ensuite bedspaces in 4 separate buildings for both junior and senior ranks. An older building on site will also be refurbished to provide 21 ensuite bedrooms, improving 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.
A bedroom in the new army SLA, designed using soldiers' feedback. Copyright: Reds10 Ltd.
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.
Warren Webster, DIO, Major Programmes and Projects (army) Director, said:
A momentous occasion for Trenchard Lines: this 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 upgrades 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.
To support the army's net zero ambitions and future resilience of its estate, the SLA blocks include sustainable features such as solar panels, individual thermostats with SMART monitors and a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) to support efficiencies in running and maintenance. An all-electric design comprising air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and infrared panels will also contribute to exceptionally low energy consumption, further offset by renewable technology.
Matt Bennion, CEO of Reds10, said:
We are delighted to announce the ground-breaking at Trenchard Lines, marking the official start of our work on the SLA buildings in partnership with the army and the DIO.
Sustainability remains a top priority in our design approach, supporting the army's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The 3 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.
In addition to the new SLA 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.
