Reds10 has commenced construction on new army accommodation blocks at Trenchard Lines in Upavon, marking a significant move in the Army’s Single Living Accommodation (SLA) programme. This initiative, supported by a £1.4bn investment over a decade, aims to modernise the Army estate by introducing 8,500 bedspaces.
- The project includes four new SLA blocks providing 200 bed spaces, replacing five outdated buildings, with completion set for autumn 2026.
- An additional 21 ensuite bedrooms will refurbish an older building, enhancing its previous facilities to single-use en-suites.
- These structures will incorporate sustainable technologies such as solar panels and energy-efficient systems to minimise environmental impact.
- Future plans include the construction of a new Officers’ Mess to provide 69 additional bedspaces starting in 2025.
Reds10 has embarked on a transformative project at Trenchard Lines, where it is constructing four new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks. These blocks will house 200 bed spaces, a substantial component of the Army’s ambitious SLA programme. As part of this initiative, which is financially backed by a £1.4bn investment over ten years, the Army aims to enhance its estate and ultimately deliver 8,500 new bedspaces.
In the initial phase at Upavon, five antiquated accommodation blocks will be demolished to make way for contemporary facilities. These will include 200 ensuite bedsits distributed across four distinct buildings, complete with kitchens and communal areas, significantly improving the living conditions of service personnel. Additionally, an existing building will undergo significant refurbishments to create 21 ensuite bedrooms, moving away from the outdated arrangement of shared wash facilities and offering enhanced privacy and comfort.
A pivotal aspect of this project is the emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in design and construction. The majority of the accommodation—at least 85%—will be prefabricated at Reds10’s facility in Driffield, Yorkshire. These modules will then be transported to Upavon, allowing for rapid onsite assembly. The new SLA blocks will feature cutting-edge technologies, including solar panels, individual thermostats, and a comprehensive building energy management system. This all-electric design utilises air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation, and infrared panels to ensure energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Looking forward, construction of a new Officers’ Mess is scheduled to commence in 2025. This addition will bring 69 further bedspaces to the site at Upavon, with all developments expected to be completed and operational by autumn 2026. This project is a testament to the successful collaboration between Reds10 and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), showcasing the potential of modern methods of construction (MMC) in delivering high-quality and eco-friendly accommodation.
Reds10 CEO Matt Bennion expressed that these modern buildings would provide sustainable, cost-effective accommodation solutions for military personnel, highlighting recent successful projects at other military sites such as Imjin Barracks and RMA Sandhurst. Warren Webster, Army director at the DIO, remarked on the historic significance of the Trenchard Lines upgrade, noting the overdue nature of this substantial infrastructure enhancement. This project marks the ninth such venture under the Army’s SLA programme, initiated in 2021, reflecting a continued commitment to improving living standards for service members.
Reds10’s initiative at Trenchard Lines exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to military infrastructure, combining sustainability with modern living solutions.
