Single living accommodation improved at Bergen-Hohne
Soldiers stationed at Bergen-Hohne Garrison in Germany have benefited from a programme of improvements to their Single Living Accommodation (SLA), carried out by Defence Estates (DE) through the Soldier First initiative.
The Soldier First initiative aims to upgrade the poorest accommodation used by the Army to improve the morale and general wellbeing of its troops. Good quality living space is particularly important for troops stationed in Germany as - without the opportunity to go home to their families each weekend – they occupy their accommodation seven days a week.
The improvements at Bergen-Hohne have included the upgrade of electrical services in bedrooms, new internet facilities, upgraded wet areas and utility areas, and new kitchenettes.
Over 180 personnel from all areas of the Garrison have seen their accommodation refurbished over the last 12 months. The improvements have benefited troops from the 9th/12th Royal Lancers at Hohne, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS), the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Staffords) (3 Mercian), and 16 Tank Transporter Squadron at Fallingbostel and 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, ‘The Poachers’ (2 Royal Anglian) at Celle.
The refurbishments give soldiers stationed at Bergen-Hohne more choice in their daily lives. For example, the provision of kitchenettes gives soldiers the option to store and prepare their own food at their accommodation if they prefer not to use the pay-as-you-dine facilities. The new internet connections mean that troops can get wireless access via a contract with a local internet service provider.
Speaking about the SLA improvements at Bergen-Hohne, Major (Retd) Bob Rain, Garrison Demand Organisation, Bergen-Hohne Garrison said:
Although the work involved was relatively minor, and did not change the grading, it was very much appreciated by the occupants, displaying commitment to their quality of life by the chain of command.
The projects have involved liaison between the stakeholders to ensure deadlines were met, to meet the end-users needs.
Although the work involved was relatively minor, and did not change the grading, it was very much appreciated by the occupants, displaying commitment to their quality of life by the chain of command.
DE’s Facility Manager, Dave Beck said:
DE were pleased to partake in the delivery of this initiative to improve the quality of life for single soldiers by carrying out basic enhancements to SLA accommodation. In isolation, they may have appeared insignificant, but, in totality, they made a real difference to the occupants.
The works were carried out to a tight timescale and, in conjunction with our partners, were delivered on time and in budget.