New technical accommodation boosts pre-deployment training at Lossiemouth

Delivered through the Regional Prime Contract for Scotland, a partnership between DE and Turner Estate Solutions, the new facilities provide fit-for-purpose accommodation for 51 Squadron and 2622 (Highland) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment.

The two units, due to deploy together later this year, were previously working out of separate aircraft hangars which did not meet their operational needs.

Additionally, an Urgent Estate Requirement (UER) was raised by the RAF in July 2009 for the relocation of 51 Squadron into alternative accommodation as the hangar they were working from leaked during periods of inclement weather.

Space to accommodate 51 Squadron was identified within 2622 Squadron’s hangar and a new workspace for both units was created with the installation of secure storage bays to house valuable equipment and support the Squadrons’ training needs.

Alongside the provision of appropriate hangar accommodation, a newly constructed suite of modular offices has been delivered to provide workspaces for 17 Junior Non-Commissioned Officers, with separate shower blocks to allow the through put of over one hundred Servicemen following on-site training routines.

"The routine for us is constant. We are in Afghanistan for six months and then home for ten months and we were physically training for war in a hangar that was leaking and not fit for purpose. The troops can now do what they are paid to do in a comfortable environment."

Jim McCleary, the DE Core Service Works Programme Manager said:

"I am extremely pleased that we have been able to complete this project on time as it brings a significant improvement to the working environment for the two Squadrons and will allow them to focus on their pre-deployment training in accommodation that has been designed and built to meet their needs.

"The design for the project only started in August with an extremely challenging deadline to meet. Despite our worst winter for several years, Turner Estate Solutions did their utmost to ensure that the project was delivered on time. The success was achieved in a true collaborative spirit involving DE, Turner Estate Solutions, 51 Squadron and other Station stakeholders.

"The added benefit is that we have now started the demolition of the old hanger which is fantastic as it will remove an asset that is in extremely poor condition and reduce ongoing maintenance costs and importantly eliminate the Foreign Object Damage on the nearby airfield that was being caused by the decaying hangar roof."