Temporary homes delivered at RAF Brize Norton in double-quick time

RAF personnel moving to Oxfordshire because of the closure of their base are benefiting from new temporary accommodation delivered in double-quick time by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). DIO worked with its regional industry partner Debut to provide 240 beds in four blocks at RAF Brize Norton in less than six months, giving transferring RAF personnel a short-term home while permanent accommodation is being completed. The temporary home will help house servicemen and women who have moved to Brize Norton from RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, which closed at the end of last year. The MOD announced it would be closing RAF Lyneham in 2002 as part of a strategic review of military bases. The new rooms at Brize Norton mean that personnel will no longer have to commute to the airfield from Wiltshire and have access to a full range of welfare services.It is expected that the permanent accommodation for junior ranks will be completed by the summer. DIO project lead Howard Sims said: “DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations by making sure the military estate is fit for purpose. “We’re delighted to have worked closely with Debut to offer such a high standard of temporary accommodation for personnel moving from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize Norton. “Completing all 240 bedspaces and handing them over in less than six months is a fantastic achievement, which has helped make life easier for these military personnel during a difficult period of transition.” Officer Commanding Station Services Squadron Neil Smith said: “The completion of this accommodation has allowed the MOD to close RAF Lyneham on time and move people to RAF Brize Norton. It is the last piece in the jigsaw of the relocation of all of our personnel to RAF Brize Norton from RAF Lyneham.” Note for Editors 1. Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations. 2. Our work includes providing, supporting and improving: operational units; single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved; our heritage is protected and we achieve our environmental goals. 3. Debut is a Joint Venture company between Bovis Lend Lease and Babcock International Group and was formed in response to the MOD's Prime Contracting Initiative to drive efficiency and best value across the defence estate. Debut benefits from the proven global strength of Bovis Lend Lease, one of the world's largest real estate solutions providers, and Babcock International Group’s recognised proven track record as one of the UK’s largest providers of property management services. Debut manages both the Regional Prime Contract for the South West and the Functional Prime Contract to build, refurbish and maintain Single Living Accommodation for HM Armed Forces (Project SLAM).