A ground-breaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of
construction on new and improved infrastructure for the Royal
Engineers at Marne Barracks in Catterick.
The project, which is being delivered for the Army under the
Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, will prepare the
barracks for the relocation of 21 Engineer Regiment from Claro
Barracks, Ripon from 2027.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracted Morgan
Sindall to deliver the works, which include 205 new and
refurbished Single Living Accommodation bedspaces for Junior
Ranks and Officers. A workshop will be built for the Light Aid
Detachment, which recovers, repairs and maintains the unit's
equipment. Garaging, sports and storage facilities will be
provided, and five buildings will be refurbished.
The ground-breaking marked the start of construction on the first
building, with the entire project scheduled to complete by the
end of 2027.
Belinda Lunn, DEO Army Programme Director, said:
I am delighted that the Marne Barracks project has reached this
significant milestone with construction activity starting on
site. This project demonstrates how investment in modern,
high-quality infrastructure is supporting military capability,
delivering benefits for Army personnel and improving the Defence
estate.
Warren Webster, DIO's Head of Major Programmes and Projects Army,
said:
This is a major project, and one of the first moving into
construction under the Defence Estate Optimisation Strategic
Alliance. It's therefore great to see work getting underway
to provide fantastic new accommodation, sports facilities and
more for the British Army, ready for 21 Engineer Regiment's
arrival in 2027.
Simon Arnott, Morgan Sindall's Managing Director North, said:
Morgan Sindall has always been steadfast in its support for the
armed forces, those currently serving and those who have served
to protect our country. As an Armed Forces Covenant signatory, we
are proud to use our expertise to deliver facilities that meet
the highest standards for 21 Engineer Regiment.
Throughout construction, Morgan Sindall is delivering a
comprehensive social value programme, including creating pathways
into construction careers with the team facilitating four work
starters, 20 apprenticeship and T-Level placements, 40 work
placement days, and regular engagement with local schoolchildren.
Once vacated, Ripon Barracks the collective name given to Claro
Barracks, Deverell Barracks and Laver Banks will be redeveloped
into housing, under plans announced by Homes England and the
Ministry of Defence in 2025. In total 1,300 new homes are planned
and will be delivered in phases, with initial work beginning at
the vacant Deverell Barracks site. The remaining areas Claro
Barracks, Laver Banks, and the Engineering Park will be developed
following the scheduled departure of the 21 Engineer Regiment to
Catterick Garrison.
