The past two-and-a-half years has seen the former RAF base at Lyneham transformed into a new training facility for the Army’s Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) which is relocating here from Arborfield and Bordon. The move is in the early stages and is due to be completed in early 2016.
In December 2013 the Ministry of Defence (MOD) awarded a £121 million contract for the first stage of work on the new facility at MOD Lyneham.
The DIO is responsible for delivering the infrastructure for the programme. The contract for the work was awarded to Hercules – a joint venture between Kier Group and Balfour Beatty plc.
The joint venture involved working with the Forces Career Transition Partnership which assists military personnel to secure permanent work on completion of their time in service and, Enterprise Works, a Swindon-based organisation which supports individuals with a disability, specifically injured ex-services personnel, to secure employment.
Major Milestone
Last week saw the official handover of key buildings and infrastructure from Hercules to the DIO. As Project Manager for this programme I was really proud to be part of a day that marked the conclusion of a big part of what has been an extremely successful project.
Hercules has delivered new single-living accommodation for military trainees, purpose-built enhanced training facilities including a large outdoor training area, alongside a medical dental centre, gymnasium and Officers’ Mess and museum. As we were altering an existing site we also re-used many existing buildings as it was more sustainable than building new ones. The airfield area, with its runway, which will be used for outdoor training, is a good example of this. The new facilities will enable the REME to come together in one location.
When it’s all finished, MOD Lyneham will be a fantastic place to train our military personnel. We’re all proud of the contribution we’re making to the Armed Forces – DIO’s purpose is to support the Armed Forces by providing what they need to live, work and train and this project ticks all three.
2 comments
Comment by Mike Lovegrove posted on
Steve, Congratulations - I enjoyed reading your post today about the project works to re-site REME at Lyneham from Arborfield and Bordon. A worthy conclusion to the project which started out as DTR al those years ago. I am passing your article on to my father. He is keen to know what has become of the REME museum and artefacts? His father, my grandpa, formed up REME in 1942 with two other Cols Rowcroft and Johnson. Some of his items and photos were in the REME museum. Mike Lovegrove
Comment by DIO Communications Team posted on
Thank you for your reply Mike. We will pass your congratulations on to Steve! With regards the REME museum and artefacts, the archives are currently in boxes waiting to come to Lyneham. It is highly likely though that the Col Rowcroft that you mention is the First Director of REME; Major General Sir EB Rowcroft KBE CB