£4 million kitchen and dining facility opens for armed forces in Shropshire

The facility – which can feed 600 personnel each mealtime and up to 200 personnel in the field – has opened at Nesscliffe Training Camp, near Shrewsbury.

The facility includes additional storage and welfare space. Improvements have also been made to the existing disabled facilities on the site.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) worked with industry partner Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc) and Knockin-based building contractor Pave Aways to create the facility.

Major (Ret’d) Richard Slaney, DIO training safety officer, said: “DIO supports our armed forces by providing what they need to live, work and train.

"Nesscliffe is an essential site for military training in the West Midlands and surrounding counties, dealing with all priority military units’ pre-operational training. With the changes in regular army basing and the increase in UK-based troops, this new kitchen and dining facility will allow Nesscliffe to support the inevitable increase in use, whilst providing the high-quality service that troops expect and deserve.”

'Superb facility'

John Shippen, Landmarc’s project manager, added: “As DIO’s industry partner for the delivery of services across the national defence training estate, we’re proud to have been part of a project that is helping to provide the best training experience for our armed forces.

"This is a superb facility that will significantly improve the welfare of troops using the camp to train.

“Delivering the final stages of this project in the current climate was challenging, but early intervention and engagement with our supply chain to implement effective Covid-19 safety measures and the determination and flexibility of our DIO colleagues and Pave Aways, made completing this project achievable.”

Designed to meet the mandated 60-year life span for all new buildings, with enhanced thermal insulation and photovoltaic roof panels, the project supports the Ministry of Defence’s Sustainable MOD Strategy and will significantly reduce ongoing maintenance and utilities costs for the MOD.

Steven Owen, managing director of Pave Aways, said: “Being able to deliver this flagship facility at Nesscliffe was a huge honour for us, particularly as it was where Pave Aways carried out its first contract 47 years ago.

“Through our commitment to our local supply chain, it also provided a widespread economic boost – supporting jobs and businesses within a 25-mile radius.”

Major General James Illingworth (Director Land Warfare), added: “We are delighted to take into use the new kitchen and dining facility at Nesscliffe. This high-quality state-of-the-art building will provide much needed modern welfare services for our soldiers on the training estate.

"This enhanced, fit for purpose capability will enable us to better support our troops going through training and enable them to prepare for operations worldwide.”