Upgraded facilities at Upavon for Military Intelligence Battalion
Construction is complete on a major project at Upavon to upgrade facilities for the army’s lead counter-intelligence and forensic technical exploitation unit.
Official opening of the Light Aid Detachment workshops at Upavon by Maj Gen Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure, assisted by Lt Col Roberts, CO 2 MI Bn. On the left: the project delivery team (Army Infrastructure, DIO, Kier Construction, AECOM) and representatives of 2 MI Bn and Trenchard Lines on the right. Copyright: Kier Construction.
The £12 million project at Trenchard Lines, Wiltshire has seen the extensive refurbishment of existing military infrastructure to support the capability of 2 Military Intelligence Battalion (2 MI Bn). The project was delivered for the British Army by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working with AECOM and Kier Construction.
A historic aircraft hangar dating back to 1938 has been remodelled to provide Light Aid Detachment workshops, which will enable the repair and maintenance of the Battalion’s fleet and the provision of new Quartermaster storage and offices. Other works on site include the refurbishment of the Battalion headquarters and Junior Ranks’ dining space, and a new extension to the armoury and ammunition store.
Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure, said:
The impressive refurbishment work at Upavon has delivered high-quality, fit-for-purpose and more sustainable facilities that will support the training and operational capability of 2 Military Intelligence Battalion. This project is a great example of the investment being made across our estate to modernise our infrastructure and enable our people to perform at their best.
Interior of new Light Aid Detachment workshops for 2 Military Intelligence Battalion at Trenchard Lines, Upavon. Copyright: Kier Construction.
Warren Webster, DIO MPP Programme Director (Army), said:
This project has provided multiple infrastructure improvements at Trenchard Lines, including refreshed HQ and vehicle management facilities for 2MI. It’s a great example of collaboration between the DIO, our contractors and the receiving unit which will support 2 MI’s vital work for defence.
The capabilities of 2 MI Bn are unique in the army, defence and wider government. The Battalion is the British Army’s lead unit for forensic technical exploitation, including biometrics, fingerprinting, and the examination of electronic media and weapons. The Battalion is also the army’s only specialist counter-intelligence collection asset – a role that requires extensive and demanding training.
Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, Western & Wales, said:
It has been a pleasure to deliver this vital refurbishment on behalf of the army and the DIO. Throughout the project, both our team and our outstanding supply chain have worked hard to deliver high-quality upgrades which will benefit military personnel at Trenchard Lines.