Skanska’s latest scheme for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has begun with Skanska UK Executive Vice President Simon Hipperson and Defence Estates' Chief Executive Vice Admiral Peter Dunt performing the traditional Turf Cutting Ceremony.
Work officially got underway on the £82 million project, awarded to Skanska under Defence Estates’ Prime Contracting Initiative, to design and build a barracks complex, including accommodation with training and leisure facilities for 23 Engineer Regiment. The regiment was formed last year to support 16 Air Assault Brigade and will be based at Woodbridge upon completion of construction in May 2006.
Vice Adm Peter Dunt said: "I’d like to congratulate all members of the party who have delivered this contract, not only from Defence Estates, but from Skanska and the Army too. I hope that we can continue the ethos of working together so that we can deliver the project on time and to budget."
Simon Hipperson said: "We are delighted to be continuing our successful relationship with the Ministry of Defence. We are looking forward to embracing the principles of prime contracting and hope to make our integrated team an exemplary one."
Skanska will be making use of local employees and resources, as well as introducing measures to minimise the impact on the local environment. Examples are on-site recycling facilities, ensuring that there is no need for lorry movements in and out of site, damping down to minimise dust and the utilisation of ultra-quiet crushing equipment, meaning that the myriad species of local wildlife can continue to inhabit the area without disturbance.
"I hope that this project will have a positive impact on the local community and that our employees will enjoy the benefits of having excellent welfare facilities and exemplary standards of health and safety whilst on site," said Simon Hipperson.
The official launch of this scheme comes just weeks after Skanska successfully completed the Ministry of Defence’s main building in Whitehall – the largest PFI contract ever completed in the UK.