A further c.£19 million worth of building and mechanical and electrical engineering work has been agreed at the British Army’s Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP).
The work to construct and fit out an extra building at the site has been agreed as a contract variation with Skanska, who is currently working to modernise the British Army’s vehicle hub in Tewkesbury.
The extra building work is worth almost £19 million on top of the original £259 million project contracted with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to rationalise the site of 56 outdated buildings into 12 modern spaces. Solar panels will be integrated to the site, alongside air source heat pumps in storage sheds and workshops. Once complete, VSSP will deliver vehicle stores, workshops and office facilities to support the storage and maintenance of more than 4,000 British Army vehicles.
The extra building will be a new 13,100m2 storage space. Using the same design as other buildings already being delivered on site, it will provide a Controlled Humidity Environment (CHE) to prevent stored vehicles from deteriorating while in storage.
Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner for VSSP said: “I am delighted with the announcement of additional funding to provide extra capacity for the Vehicle Storage and Support Programme at Ashchurch.
“We are working closely with our delivery partners to continuously improve the design of the Programme within scope, and to ensure that this exceptional facility meets the Army’s current and future operational requirements.”
Warren Webster, DIO’s Director for Army Major Projects said: “This impressive facility will meet the long-term needs for preserving the Army’s fleet of vehicles while supporting sustainability ambitions for Defence.
“DIO looks forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Army, Skanska and Mace, to deliver this significant capability improvement.”
Roger Williams, Skanska Project Director said: “Work has been progressing at pace here at VSSP and we’ve seen some significant milestones with the installation of vehicle inspection pits, plus a 10-tonne crane for vehicle servicing.
“We’re delighted to take on this additional building and will continue to work closely with the DIO and British Army to find the best construction and engineering solutions to make the site a modern and sustainable space to store, service and protect military vehicles for the future.”
The new building will be completed within an 85 week period, which includes demolition and construction. It is scheduled to complete by July 2026, with the overall project completion remaining in November 2026.