Kinloss soldiers enjoy upgraded accommodation
Some 140 soldiers at Kinloss Barracks are enjoying improved accommodation after the complete refurbishment of their living quarters.
![A single room at Kinloss Barracks [Picture: Crown copyright]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/14191/s300_IMG_0271_1_1g.jpg)
Each soldier at Kinloss Barracks has his own room
Work focused on improving and significantly increasing utility, laundry, and shower and toilet facilities across 4 barrack blocks for personnel from 39 Engineer Regiment who recently moved to Kinloss.
The £800,000 Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) project saw additional corridor fire doors and fire detection equipment added across the blocks and one of the buildings also received new furniture, carpets and fire doors for each of its redecorated 46 rooms, as well as a ground floor disabled en-suite room.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Chris McGarrell, from Headquarters 51 (Scottish) Brigade, who supported the project, said:
I thank the DIO staff for delivering an excellent service at Kinloss Barracks. Priority for the move of 39 Engineer Regiment into Kinloss was to improve the accommodation within the barracks as quickly as possible. The unit has now been provided with a completed service which enhances a number of facilities within the barracks.
The refurbishment has provided a good number of washers and dryers [Picture: Crown copyright]
Sapper Alex Martin, aged 22, originally from Plymouth, has been at Kinloss since the regiment moved from Waterbeach in July last year. When asked to contrast his accommodation at Waterbeach with that available now, he said:
At Waterbeach I shared a room with 3 other guys so it is great to have my own room. I now have more floor space, storage and of course my privacy. The refurbishment has made a big difference and we now have a good number of washers and dryers as well as the new utility facilities.
DIO worked with industry partners Turner Estate Solutions and the Robertson Group to deliver the project on time. Works were carefully planned, using suggestions from 39 Engineer Regiment, to ensure the project produced the greatest improvement to soldiers’ daily lives.
DIO Project Officer Graham Laborda said:
DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they live, work and train. We are extremely pleased that we’ve successfully delivered this project, providing much improved accommodation for 39 Engineer Regiment following their relocation to Kinloss Barracks.
MOD is committed to providing the best possible accommodation for Service personnel and has been carrying out extensive upgrades across the country that have resulted in 96% of Service accommodation being in the top 2 standards of condition.
Also, in March 2013, the department announced a further investment of £100 million to deliver over 1,000 new and refurbished single and family Service homes after 2013.