The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the first wave of projects under its new Programmatic Approach to Single Living Accommodation (SLA), with nearly 1,800 new bedspaces now allocated for construction.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded work across a network of contractors forming the SLA Alliance, which will deliver 16,000 new bedspaces by 2034 as part of a ten-year programme to build or refurbish 40,000 in total. The initiative is designed to modernise service accommodation, replacing ageing stock with facilities that meet contemporary standards of comfort, sustainability and energy performance.
Under the first phase, Bowmer & Kirkland will construct new SLA at Catterick Garrison (144 bedspaces), Combermere Barracks in Berkshire (74), RM Condor in Angus (348) and RNAS Yeovilton (123). Reds10 has been allocated projects at Baker Barracks in Hampshire (315) and RAF Cosford (50). Kier Metek will deliver 166 bedspaces at RM Bickleigh, while Laing O’Rourke will take forward projects at RAF Waddington (228), Albemarle Barracks in Northumberland (266) and RAF Honington in Suffolk (80).
The alliance, which also includes Kier McAvoy, is intended to foster collaboration between contractors by using common designs and modern methods of construction. Standardisation is expected to accelerate delivery, improve quality and reduce disruption on site, while providing a stable flow of work for both factory-based manufacturing and site installation.
DIO said the catalogue of SLA designs allows for variation in construction techniques to suit individual sites, but the emphasis will be on off-site manufacture where possible. The approach aligns with the government’s net zero strategy, ensuring new facilities meet higher standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.
The first wave of projects targets locations where existing accommodation is in greatest need of replacement, though the wider programme will extend across many more bases in the coming decade. The alliance structure is designed to capture lessons from each build and apply them across subsequent projects, embedding efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Warren Webster, DIO Programme Director, said the new approach was already showing results: “Our Alliance is demonstrating excellent collaborative behaviours and a focus on continuous improvement. Beyond these initial projects we have plans for many more SLA blocks across the country, benefiting thousands of service personnel in the years ahead.”
For contractors and suppliers, the scale of the ten-year programme provides a long-term pipeline of work in modular construction, materials supply and fit-out, linked directly to the defence estate’s modernisation priorities.
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