17 Aug 09

Aspire Defence Capital Works (ADCW) has begun construction of the first new junior ranks single living accommodation (JRSLA) blocks for 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment which follows hot on the heels of the new super diner at Battlesbury Barracks – the first new building completed and handed over under Project Allenby/Connaught at Warminster  earlier this year.

The first JRSLA module was craned into position recently to create the first of four new living accommodation blocks to be built on the site of the old Naafi. Delivered on flat bed lorries from Corus Living Solutions’ factory in Shotton, enough modules arrive each day to complete one level of the three-storey building and are stored securely overnight. The modules include the wardrobes and en-suite bathroom pre-installed at the factory, plus the flat-pack furniture secured firmly inside until needed for assembly.

In total 12 JRSLA blocks will be constructed in three phases at Battlesbury Barracks by the Corus team.

At the beginning of the construction contract a little over three years ago, it took 11 days to build the modules up into the JRSLA block.  Today it takes the Corus team just five days:

• Day one: ground floor corridor cassettes are drilled and fixed into place.
• Day two: the ground floor modules are positioned, secured and utilities connected.
• Day three: the first floor modules are positioned, secured and utilities connected.
• Day four: the second floor modules are positioned, secured and utilities connected.
• Day five: the rooftop wrapping is completed, making the building watertight.

Once this process is complete, the Corus team moves on to the next JRSLA block wmakes way for the other trade contractors to complete their work. There are approx 60 of these workers currently on-site at Battlesbury Barracks needed to complete the construction work.  Undertaking the demolition work - R Collards; the groundworks - AM Sanders; scaffolding - SGB; brickwork - Brick Build UK; the JRSLA fit-out contractor - ISGPearce; and roofing contractors – Crendons for the trusses and Kavanagh to felt, batten and tile the roof.

Steve Smith, Section Manager for ADCW said, "There is a real team effort between all the trade contractors to ensure the smooth running of the construction works within a logistically tight site.  We have come a long way with enabling works and groundworks to get to the stage where we are ready to receive the Corus modules; now the first modules are landed, we move into the next stage of construction with the aim of maintaining a fulfilling and enjoyable place to work.”  

As with other ADCW construction sites under Project Allenby/Connaught, the demolition waste is broken down on-site and re-used as hard core underneath car parks, etc.  This means that the amount of lorries leaving and entering the construction site for land fills orother recycling organisations are kept to an absolute minimum and maintains the Project’sConsiderate Constructor relationship with not only the Army, but also the surrounding residential neighbours.

The first four junior ranks single living accommodation blocks are scheduled for acceptance into service during February 2010.