Working dogs’ regiment to relocate as contract awarded for refurbishment of Kendrew Barracks
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded Willmot Dixon a contract to deliver vital infrastructure for the rebasing of the 1st Military Working Dog (MWD) Regiment from St George’s Barracks to Kendrew Barracks in Rutland, East Midlands.
Project stakeholders from DIO, Army, 1MWD, 18AEC, Kendrew Barracks, Aecom, Willmott Dixon, Corstophine & Wright, and Derry Building Services. MOD Crown Copyright.
As we mark International Security Officers’ Day, DIO is proud to play its role in the training of working military dogs, which are integral to the work of our security personnel.
The £61 million contract awarded to Willmot Dixon will deliver 15 new buildings on site, 11 of which will be brand new, and 4 refurbished, enabling the permanent disposal of St George’s Barracks, scheduled for 2026. The new infrastructure will also see the relocation of the 18 Army Education Centre to Kendrew Barracks.
The facilities will comprise a new veterinary centre and 173 new kennels to help the MWD Regiment to accommodate and train military working dogs. Expected to complete in December 2025, the project will also deliver new squadron offices, a new gym and training facilities, alongside the refurbishment of Regimental Headquarters and Quartermaster stores.
Warren Webster, DIO, MPP Army Programme Director, said:
The award of this latest contract to build and refurbish army infrastructure demonstrates continued partnership and collaboration with our contractors, as we increase the pace, quality and volume of defence infrastructure delivery. These will be high-quality facilities for our service personnel at Kendrew Barracks, built with environmental sustainability at its heart.
Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner, Army Basing Project, Kendrew, said:
I am delighted to see the Kendrew Barracks project progressing as part of our ongoing effort to rationalise the defence estate, provide the right infrastructure for the army and enable the delivery of the important military work dogs capability.
A military working dog. MOD Crown Copyright.
Nick Heath, Director, Willmot Dixon, said:
This significant investment from the army, supported by the DIO is set to create high quality facilities for those stationed at Kendrew Barracks. It’s always a privilege to contribute to national defence by making sure the estate meets the needs of those who access and use the facilities.
Works will incorporate DREAM – the environmental assessment tool for new building and refurbishment projects on the defence estate – and we are aiming for high standards across all elements of the project. In particular, the new build elements will be targeting net-zero carbon in operation. With modern methods of construction also set to be used within the kennels structures, the entire scheme has been considered in relation to its current and future impact.