- Specialist facilities to be developed for Army's cyber unit
in Gloucestershire after £279 million contract signed.
- Work will see the creation of 248 Single Living Accommodation
rooms, in addition to 30 Service Family Accommodation homes.
- Significant investment in local economy, with 92 jobs
created, demonstrating defence as an engine for growth.
Army cyber warriors are to benefit from new modern accommodation
and specialist training facilities, following nearly £300 million
investment announced today for Duke of Gloucester Barracks.
The £279 million contract, signed today, will see specialist
modern facilities built for the Army's cyber regiment.
The investment will provide new infrastructure at Duke of
Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire for 13 Signal Regiment,
who deliver defensive cyber operations for the Army. The work
will include brand new technical and training buildings for
personnel, as well as modern accommodation.
The new barracks will house the Army's Cyber, Information and
Security Operations Centre which will protect networks from cyber
threats both at home and overseas on exercises and operations.
The Strategic Defence Review highlights how the cyber and
electromagnetic domain are at the heart of modern warfare,
following more than 90,000 attacks on the UK's military networks
from adversaries in the last two years alone. Delivering on the
SDR, we are also creating a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command
to put the UK at the forefront of cyber operations.
Today's contract will create 92 jobs, which will include
opportunities for ex-military and 32 apprenticeships, with
structured training programmes, helping boost defence as an
engine for growth.
Awarded to the British company Bovis by the Defence
Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the work will deliver:
- Specialist technical accommodation and training facilities.
- 248 Single Living Accommodation bedspaces.
Additionally, 30 new Service Family Accommodation homes will be
built, with additional refurbishment of existing military homes
at the site.
MP, Minister for Defence
Readiness and Industry, said:
“Our Strategic Defence Review highlights how the cyber and
electromagnetic domain are at the heart of modern warfare.
“We are making this significant investment to enhance the Army's
cyber capabilities while delivering an improved lived experience
for Service Personnel, alongside new homes for Service Families.
“Creating dozens of jobs, the work will also back local industry
and demonstrates defence as an engine for growth.”
Construction will start in Summer 2027, with completion scheduled
for Spring 2030, to support the Regiment's move to the barracks.
The contract supports the local economy, businesses and
communities with:
- 25% of spending going to businesses within 50 miles of the
site.
- 25% of the on-site workforce employed locally.
- 40% of offsite manufacturing within 40 miles of the site.
- 25% of spending to go to small and medium enterprises.
The MOD is investing in modern, sustainable infrastructure
designed to meet future operational requirements and enhance the
lived experience of military personnel through its Defence Estate
Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio.
Major General AJ CBE, Director of Basing and
Infrastructure and Senior Responsible Owner for the DEO Army
Programme, said:
"Investment in new infrastructure at Duke of Gloucester Barracks
will enable the growth of the Army's cyber capability and enhance
operational readiness.
“This project is a great example of our ongoing effort to
modernise our estate, improve the environments where our people
live, work and train, and provide the facilities they need to
carry out their vital roles for UK Defence."
Warren Webster, DIO MPP Programme Director – Army,
said:
“This contract award paves the way for some fantastic new
infrastructure at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, including new
Single Living Accommodation rooms and brand new technical and
training buildings for personnel.
“All told, it's a significant improvement to the site which will
benefit personnel.”
Andrew Mackay, Managing Director, Public Sector &
Regions, Bovis said:
“We are proud to be leading the ambitious modernisation of Duke
of Gloucester Barracks.
“This programme - delivering high‑quality Single Living
Accommodation alongside major infrastructure enhancements and
upgrades to existing buildings - will provide our armed forces
with the modern, sustainable facilities they deserve.
“As a longstanding and valued client, we look forward to working
closely with the DIO to achieve their ambitions.”
