A major contract has been awarded to modernise Army facilities in the East Midlands, representing a significant milestone in the ongoing Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has appointed Bovis Construction Limited to deliver a £237 million programme of works at Kendrew Barracks and Bulwell Army Reserve Centre (ARC).
The DEO Portfolio, a £5.1 billion investment, is reshaping the Defence estate to provide modern, sustainable infrastructure aligned to operational requirements and improved living standards for personnel. The contract will deliver a combination of new builds and refurbishments across both sites, creating substantial opportunities for the construction supply chain over the coming years.
At Kendrew Barracks, the works will include the delivery of Single Living Accommodation for junior ranks, new regimental offices, medical and catering facilities, and associated supporting infrastructure. The investment will also support the relocation of 36 Engineer Regiment from Invicta Park in Maidstone, consolidating units from Grantham, Telford and Nottingham and enabling the disposal of several older sites.
Bulwell ARC will see investment in new band practice facilities, unit offices and secure storage infrastructure, further enhancing the training and operational capability of Army Reserve personnel.
Senior Army and DIO officials emphasised that the project will provide long-lasting benefits, supporting operational effectiveness while improving the quality of life for Regular and Reserve forces. For the construction and defence supply chain, the contract represents a multi-year pipeline of opportunities in areas including design services, civil engineering, building materials, mechanical and electrical systems, and sustainability solutions.
Andrew Mackay, Executive General Manager Regions at Bovis, confirmed the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, modern facilities that will serve the Armed Forces for decades. Bovis has worked with the DIO since 2011 and will continue to engage with partners and subcontractors to deliver the East Midlands programme.
Construction is scheduled to commence in autumn 2026 following detailed design and development phases. The scale of the investment underscores the government’s commitment to modernising the Defence estate, while opening new avenues for suppliers able to provide expertise in sustainable building methods and resilient infrastructure.
Image: LadyLensArt / Shutterstock.com
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Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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