The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has completed the
final phase of a major improvement programme at one of the most
remote sites on the Defence estate. A new modular accommodation
block at Byron Heights in the Falkland Islands has now been
handed over, marking the end of a four-year infrastructure
project, delivered on behalf of Strategic Command.
A contract was awarded to VolkerFitzpatrick to replace the
original accommodation at Mount Kent, Mount Alice and Byron
Heights, originally built in 1984. The new single-storey
accommodation blocks now provide modern living and working
environments for up to 12 people stationed at each
location.
Designed to support a continuous presence in extreme and isolated
conditions, each site includes fully equipped bedrooms, catering
services, office space, welfare and leisure facilities, a small
gym, plant rooms and temporary transit accommodation, should
there be a need for an increase in personnel.
The new structures are well designed to meet the rigours of the
Falklands winter in the mountains and are expected to provide a
more energy efficient solution compared to the previous
accommodation.
Nick Andrews-Gauvain, DIO Project Manager, said:
Building in the Falklands presents unique challenges, from harsh
weather conditions to the complexity of an almost 8,000-mile
logistic chain, meaning close teamwork between DIO and
Volker-Fitzpatrick was vital. The team decided to complete the
accommodation at Mount Kent first, allowing us to apply any
lessons learnt to the more remote areas of Mount Alice and Byron
Heights.
We are pleased to have completed this project and I have no
doubts these new blocks will improve experiences for service and
civilian personnel based there.
Sgt Winter is one of the personnel based at Mount Alice and has
moved into the new accommodation. He said:
The dedicated office space and improved connectivity have made a
real difference in how we work, greatly increasing efficiency.
The new accommodation has also had a big impact. Being away from
loved ones is never easy, but having a comfortable and welcoming
place to stay has greatly boosted morale.
We're also incredibly grateful to the VolkerFitzpatrick team. Not
only did they deliver an excellent build, but they also
seamlessly integrated themselves as part of the mountain family.
A Strategic Command spokesperson said:
The new accommodation is a major improvement, offering
high-quality living and working conditions. Built to withstand
extreme weather, including high winds and heavy snowfall, it has
already proven its resilience.
As one of the most remote sites Defence operates in, the
construction is a remarkable achievement. It provides everything
needed to support our personnel.
Stuart Deverill, Managing DIrector, VolkerFitzpatrick, Building
Division, said:
Delivering this project is one of the most remote and challenging
environments on the Defence estate and has been a true testament
to the resilience, commitment and expertise of our team based in
the Falkland Islands. From navigating extreme weather to
coordinating complex logistics across 8,000 miles, every stage
demanded careful planning and collaboration.
We're proud to have provided safe, modern and energy-efficient
accommodation that will make a real difference from those
stationed here.
The completion of the accommodation at the Byron Heights site
marks the final handover in the programme that enhances the UK's
capability to maintain a secure and sustained presence in the
South Atlantic.
