Barracks and Reserve Centre set for major modernisation
Army personnel in the East Midlands will benefit from new living and training facilities after a £237 million construction contract was awarded to modernise two key military sites.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has signed the deal with Bovis Construction Limited to deliver upgrades at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland and the Bulwell Army Reserve Centre in Nottingham.
The project forms part of the Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio, a £5.1 billion investment designed to create a more modern, sustainable military estate.
New accommodation and facilities
At Kendrew Barracks, the works will include single living accommodation for junior ranks, new regimental offices, medical and catering facilities, and wider supporting infrastructure. The barracks will also become the new home of 36 Engineer Regiment, which is relocating from Maidstone. Other units will transfer from Grantham, Telford and Nottingham, allowing several older sites to be closed.
Investment at Bulwell ARC will deliver unit offices, secure storage and a new band practice facility, improving conditions for reservists.
Boost for personnel and operations
Major General AJ Smith, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, said the investment would “deliver significant and long-lasting benefits”, improving quality of life for Regular and Reserve soldiers while supporting operational effectiveness.
DIO programme director Warren Webster said the contract was another milestone in modernising the Army estate, while Bovis executive Andrew Mackay pledged to deliver facilities of “the very highest standard”.
Construction timeline
Detailed design and development work is already underway, with construction due to begin in autumn 2026. Officials say the project will provide better conditions for personnel, strengthen unit cohesion and ensure the Army has infrastructure fit for the future.
