Defence

MoD Ashchurch sees start of VSSP ground works

Posted 1 March 2023

The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP) at MoD Ashchurch has reached a significant milestone with the start of ground preparation.

Above: Representatives from the various organisations involved with the project at the event to mark the start of ground works.
Courtesy DIO / Crown Copyright / MoD 2023

Structural piles have been inserted to form the base of the building which will be the first of the new workshops. Meanwhile, demolition on site is continuing at pace.

The VSSP is a two-phase programme that will deliver modern, sustainable, and effective storage and maintenance solutions for the British Army’s vehicle and equipment fleet. It will provide Controlled Humidity Environment (CHE) storage for vehicles, reducing maintenance costs and unnecessary deterioration caused by extreme drops or rises in temperature, ensuring that the Army’s fleet is operationally ready at all times.

While visiting Ashchurch for the start of ground works, Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner for VSSP said: "I am delighted to see first-hand the impressive progress on site since the start of works in September 2022.

"Seeing the foundations being prepared is an important milestone and means that we remain on target to have a state-of-the-art storage facility in Ashchurch. Sustainable construction methods will also support the Army’s contribution to Net Zero targets for Defence."

The multimillion-pound project was awarded to Skanska by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to meet the enduring requirements for the Army’s fleet of vehicles. The project has been designed to protect and preserve the vehicles as well as provide essential office space.

Warren Webster, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, MPP Programme Director – Army, said: "The milestone we have reached today is testament to the excellent working relationship of the project delivery team, consisting of Skanska, Mace and DIO, with the Army to meet their requirement for specialist storage facilities and supporting infrastructure. I look forward to seeing the site develop further over coming years”.

Skanska is carrying out the piling works, construction, and mechanical and electrical engineering for this complex programme. This includes demolition of 58 buildings, construction of 12 new buildings and refurbishment of one existing facility, plus renewal of site-wide infrastructure. The project will employ up to 400 people and will also support 10 apprenticeships."

Katy Dowding, Executive Vice President, Skanska UK said: "We’re excited to have reached this significant milestone on the way to transforming the site into a facility that will protect and futureproof the British Army’s vehicle fleet – and we’re really proud to be a part of that. With sustainability as a guiding principle, we’re also proud to continue driving greener solutions as part of this complex project, using modern methods of construction and productivity improvements to drive down carbon emissions."

As well as providing CHE storage for military vehicles, VSSP will also provide dedicated inspection and maintenance spaces. All buildings will adhere to the latest sustainability standards and reaching DREEAM (Defence Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent is the sustainability target for the programme. Solar installation on site will also generate green energy.