New accommodation for troops opens at barracks

A new 72-bedroom energy-efficient accommodation block for troops has opened at a military garrison.

The new building at St George's Barracks, in Bicester, will house junior rank troops, and features solar panels and air source heat pumps to "ensure the building runs as efficiently as possible".

It is part of a £1.4bn, 10-year Ministry of Defence (MoD) scheme to improve living conditions for service personnel.

Bicester Garrison Commander Lt Col Gerard Hennigan said it was "excellent to see the result of significant investment".

"The quality of the bedrooms, common areas and kitchen areas are impressive, and we look forward to moving soldiers into their new home in the coming weeks," Col Hennigan added.

The new structure features 72 single bedrooms with ensuites, kitchen and diner facilities, utility rooms and furnished communal space, and was designed using solider feedback.

This would "ensure it meets their specific needs and showcases the impressive standard of accommodation we are committed to delivering", Brigadier Peter Quaite said at the building's opening.

Brig Quaite, who is head of infrastructure plans at the British Army's basing and infrastructure division, added that the new accommodation would provide a "better standard of living space for our people".

Overall, more than 1,000 new bed spaces are currently in construction across the MoD estate as part of it's Single Living Accommodation project.

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