Defence Estates launches 10-year vision for military accommodation

The MOD has said today that it aims to have all UK service families living in the highest standard of accommodation by 2020.

The aim is revealed in the Defence Estates (DE) 10 Year Accommodation Management Strategy which sets out plans for improving housing for both Service Families Accommodation (SFA) and Single Living Accommodation (SLA) over the next decade.

Defence Estates will now target its major upgrade programme on improving 4,000 houses in the worst condition (Standard 3 and 4) every year for the next three years. By March 2013 very few, if any, families should be living in houses that don’t meet the top two condition standards. By the same date, 50 percent of single living accommodation should also be at the top grade.

The MOD has made major investments in Single Living Accommodation over the past seven years, providing 35,000 trained military personnel with accommodation of the highest modern standard. By 2020, Defence Estates aims to provide 70 percent of SLA at the top level (Grade 1) and the remainder at Grade 2.

Key features of the strategy include: better communication of upgrade plans to military personnel and their families and tough action to reduce the proportion of accommodation that is lying empty.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Kevan Jones said:

“Our military personnel work extremely hard and both they and their families deserve accommodation of a high standard. This strategy builds on the principles set out by the Service Personnel Command Paper and shows that we have solid plans in place to improve accommodation for all our personnel.

Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, the Chief Executive of Defence Estates said:

“This strategy sets out how Service accommodation will be managed over the next 10 years. Given the unique factors surrounding the provision of military accommodation, and the current economic pressures, we have set ourselves some very challenging targets. But it is right that we should aim high. It is most important that we understand and adapt to the continually evolving requirements of the Armed Forces, working shoulder to shoulder with all three Services to ensure that their future accommodation demands are met as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.”
Over the next 10 years the MOD plans to spend over £3 billion on new-build, upgraded and improved living accommodation for the Armed Forces. I

Within the last two years major upgrade and new build projects have included:

Single Living Accommodation: Catterick Garrison, Yorkshire; Alexander Barracks, Surrey; Bovington Camp, Dorset; RM Lympstone, Devon; Portsmouth Naval Base; Northolt, North London; RAF Leeming, Yorkshire; Ballykinlar Barracks, Thiepval Barracks and Kinnegar Logistic Base, Northern Ireland; Faslane Naval Base, Clyde; Germany; and Gibraltar.

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) projects have included: Aldershot, Hampshire; Dale Barracks, Chester; Invicta Park Barracks, Kent ; Blandford Garrison, Dorset ; Larkhill, Wiltshire; RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire; Scotland; Germany; and Gibraltar.

(DCMS) Barbara Follett protects the weapons stores which helped protect us in the past

Ordnance Yards and Magazine Depots from the Napoleonic War to the First World War are amongst 48 buildings listed or upgraded today by Culture Minister, Barbara Follett, following a study by English Heritage.

The buildings, mostly listed at Grade II, include:

* the Mixing house (building 124) at Bull Point, Plymouth, constructed in 1804 and a unique survival from the Napoleonic Wars, where gunpowder from returning warships was recycled

* the Shell Fitting and Packing Workshop (building 65) also at Bull Point, built in 1862 as a specialized workshop for filling and packing shells, and

* a munitions factory at Priddy's Hard, Gosport, where, more than a hundred years ago, women workers used to slip love letters into ammunition boxes they were packing, for lonely sailors to find.

Of the 33 newly listed buildings, 19 are owned by the MOD and managed by Defence Estates (DE).

One building, Government Powder Magazine No.5, at Purfleet in Essex, has had its listing upgraded to Grade I, based on new research and findings of the thematic survey.

One site in particular, Priddy's Hard, has some interesting and heart-warming history. During the early 1900s, Gosport Women's Football Team was comprised mostly of ladies who were employed at the Priddy's Hard depot. They were considered to be one of the best ladies sides in the country, and camaraderie among them remained strong until they were laid off.

These same women would also hide love letters in the boxes of ammunition they were assembling, for the sailors to find on their voyages at sea. It was hoped that these would cheer the troops, and many relationships were both formed - and finished! - thanks to these little notes.

Barbara Follett, Culture Minister, said:

"These sites are poignant reminders of our military history and the effect that this had on the men and women involved. Their historic importance is indisputable and the role they played in Britain's defence against invaders - as part of factory settings - was pivotal. Each one has a tale to tell, some sad, some touching, but all had a key role in Britain's maritime dominance of the world."

Richard McKinney, Head of the Property Directorate at Defence Estates, said:

"These sites have played a significant role in reinforcing the sense of identity, ethos and pride of our Forces. The MOD takes its stewardship of its historic estate very seriously and we will continue to positively manage these buildings, to safeguard their future for generations to come."

Gemma Abercrombie, Head of Heritage Protection Operations for English Heritage, said:

"Each of these sites has evolved in a different way in response to the pressures caused by the development of ordnance and explosives, and reveal fascinating stories of our military history. We are delighted that our research and the work undertaken in conjunction with the MoD has allowed these buildings to be further recognised through statutory protection."