£54m contract awarded to transform part of military base

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded Morgan Sindall a £54m contract for a major programme to upgrade Marne Barracks in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

The Barracks, which is currently the home of 5 Regiment Royal Artillery and 32 Regiment Royal Engineers, requires additional infrastructure to prepare for the arrival of 21 Regiment Royal Engineers by 2027.

Expansion, being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme, will see nine new facilities built alongside refurbishments to existing buildings.

The new or upgraded infrastructure includes Single Living Accommodation, sporting facilities including multi-use game areas and a gym, and storage facilities.

Robin Hartley, DIO’s deputy head of major programmes & projects (Army), said: “The award of this contract is the start of a major programme of upgrades for Marne Barracks, which will see some real improvements to the site in preparation for the arrival of new units.

“We look forward to working closely as a team with Morgan Sindall and the Army to ensure the success of the programme.”

Belinda Lunn, defence estate optimisation (DEO) army programme director, said: “Catterick is an important garrison for the British Army and I am pleased that the Marne Barracks project has reached this significant milestone.

“This is an excellent example of the investment underway across the DEO Army Programme, to deliver new and improved infrastructure that will benefit service personnel, support Army capability and enhance the Defence estate.”

Andy Hall, director of Morgan Sindall’s Yorkshire and North East business, added: “Our Armed Forces give one hundred percent dedication year-round and are committed to the service and protection of our country.

“To be one of the contractors named by the DEO to support them through applying our expertise is a great honour.

Survey work is already underway with enabling works expected to start at the end of next year, followed by the start of construction in summer 2025.