At Skanska, we’re the DIO’s development partner on Project Wellesley, part of the MOD’s strategy to rationalise its estate and improve training provision and living quarters for service personnel. The project involves constructing this bespoke new training facility at Worthy Down, relocating military functions and personnel from the Princess Royal Barracks in Surrey, and redeveloping that site to create the Mindenhurst residential development.
New facilities at Worthy Down
At Worthy Down the three-tranche programme has completed a host of new buildings, including the combined medical and dental centre, physical training centre, band and drill area, junior ranks accommodation and regimental headquarters. In keeping with Skanska’s and DIO’s shared commitment to sustainability, the buildings meet modern design standards in terms of thermal insulation, air leakage and heat recovery. Wind catchers on the roof of the sports halls maximise natural ventilation.
Responding to Covid-19
The team has had to reorganise and respond quickly to the covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions. We closed our site briefly in March and April to allow a thorough risk-assessment, and were able to start work again after the development of new health and safety guidelines, in line with guidance from the government and the Construction Leadership Council. This has led to lower numbers of people working on site and a temporary slowdown in work as a result – but the team has responded brilliantly to the challenge and I’m so proud of their commitment and determination to get the project back on track.
We will complete tranche-three of the programme in the early autumn of this year. That will mark the end of the ‘vertical build’, that is, the erection of new buildings – but landscaping and further development will continue on site.
This development has been created through strong collaboration between DIO and Skanska. I believe this will enhance the health and wellbeing of military personnel and their families at Worthy Down for years to come.
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