Objectives
The Army has been looking at the feasibility of:
- moving the Headquarters of the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) with its intimate supporting elements, 2 Signal Regiments (2 Sig Regts) and 102 Logistics Brigade (102 Log Bde) from Germany to the UK.
- moving other units and agencies from Rhine Garrison and Munster Station to other Garrisons in Germany, all these moves will ultimately lead to the closure Rhine Garrison and Munster Station.
- streamlining the infrastructure delivery management in support of UK Defence personnel based in Germany and the European mainland and explore the scope to integrate further overseas delivery.
Projects within the BORONA Programme
There are five projects within the Programme:
- move of HQ ARRC and intimate supporting elements from Rhine Garrison to the UK.
- move of 2 Sig Regts from Germany to the UK (on current plans we aim to move 16 Signal Regiment (16 Sig Regt) from Rhine Garrison and 1 Armoured Division Signal Regiment (1 ADSR) from Gutersloh Garrison).
- move of 102 Log Bde from Gutersloh Garrison to the UK.
- Germany basing - scope and implement the closure of Munster Station and Rhine Garrison, this will include determining what elements of Rhine Garrison are required to remain in Germany, relocate to the UK or are to be disbanded.
- overseas support - scope and implement the level of support required for activities conducted in Germany and the rest of Europe.
Why is this happening?
This work is driven by the need to deliver operational capability in a more effective and efficient way. This will allow for a more coherent basing arrangement for the Army and, at the same time, make better use of the MOD Estate in the UK.
Current status
Initial Gate approval has been given for these moves in September 2007. In the UK, the site formally occupied by the RAF at Innsworth in Gloucestershire was selected as the most suitable for HQ ARRC, and the move was completed in September 2010.
The site occupied by the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering (DCAE) at Cosford in Shropshire is the MOD's planned site for 102 Log Bde. However, it is anticipated that the move of 102 Log Bde may be accelerated under the SDSR Basing Plans and alternative sites are being examined.
Beacon Barracks in Stafford is the MOD's planned site for two Signal Regiments subject to a final investment decision.
On the 18 July 2011 it was announced that Beacon Barracks, Stafford would become home to two Signal Regiments relocating from Germany. The MOD's Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which is responsible for managing the MOD estate, will now launch a procurement competition for the redevelopment of Beacon Barracks and an advert will appear shortly in the Official Journal of the European Union seeking potential bidders for the work.
In addition, the MOD will hold an Industry Day at Beacon Barracks on 15 September 2011, when industry representatives can visit the site and learn more about the plans for redevelopment. These plans include proposals for the provision of living, working and technical accommodation to support the Signal Regiments.
Following the procurement competition there will be a period of further analysis and scrutiny followed by internal approval. A final decision on whether to move the two regiments to Stafford will not be taken until 2013.
If final approval is given there would be a two and a half year construction period prior to the moves taking place in 2015.