Son of soldier killed in Iraq opens new building named for his father
The son of a soldier killed in action in 2003 has opened a new £14m accommodation block at his father's old base, DM Kineton in Warwickshire.
Exterior of the new accommodation block. Crown Copyright.
The block was named the Muir Building in honour of SSgt Chris Muir, an Ammunition Technician who was killed serving Iraq in 2003. His son Ben Muir was invited to cut the ribbon and officially open the block, watched by SSgt Muir’s extended family and a number of former colleagues.
SSgt Muir was based at DM Kineton as an instructor prior to his deployment to Iraq and was sadly killed during an explosive ordnance disposal operation. Naming the block after him serves as a lasting reminder to future generations of Ammunition Technicians of the courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty that he embodied throughout his career.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) led the project with the building constructed by Algeco on behalf of VIVO, one of DIO’s built estate industry partners. The accommodation was built using modern methods of construction, with units manufactured off-site before being transported to DM Kineton for assembly. This modular approach reduced disruption across the site during the construction programme.
The building contains 46 ensuite bedrooms for officers and senior non-commissioned officers. Two of the bedrooms are fully accessible, and the facility also includes kitchenettes, communal areas, laundry rooms, utility rooms and a cycle store.
One of the new bedrooms. Crown Copyright.
The Muir Building incorporates a range of sustainable features designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Solar panels installed on the roof help generate power for the building, while air source heat pumps provide heating throughout the accommodation.
Recycled water from sink drainage systems is used for boot-washing stations, while additional trees have been planted as part of the landscaping works around the site.
Ben Muir, who opened the building named in honour of his father, said:
It was a lovely surprise to hear that the building would be named after my Dad, so that his example will continue to inspire ammunition technical officers for years to come. It was a great pleasure to be here to officially open the new block.
Richard Walsh, DIO RD Central, Project Delivery Manager for the project, said:
Reaching handover is a fantastic achievement and marks the culmination of a huge amount of work from everyone involved in the project. The Muir Building provides modern, high-quality accommodation that will significantly improve the lived experience of personnel based at DM Kineton for many years to come.
By replacing older accommodation that had reached the end of its useful life, we have delivered a sustainable and cost-effective solution that meets the needs of today’s Armed Forces while also supporting future generations of personnel.
Inside one of the communal spaces in the new accommodation, which includes a kitchen for personnel to use and comfortable seating. (Crown Copyright)
Lt Col Chris Ralling, DM Kineton Head of Establishment, said:
The Muir Building was named in honour of one of our colleagues who tragically died on operations so it was a great pleasure to be joined by his family to open the building. The new block will provide fantastic, sustainable accommodation to 46 personnel on site, as well as comfortable communal areas, cooking facilities and more – a fitting tribute to a much-loved colleague.
The first soldiers will move in to the new accommodation block in early September.