A substantial investment of £400 million in military accommodation has resulted in the revitalization of over a thousand properties, now available to serve Armed Forces personnel and

their families across the UK.

Initiated in September last year, this extensive refurbishment program, funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), has breathed new life into long-term vacant houses, significantly expanding the pool of high-quality homes accessible to service families.

James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, emphasized the importance of enhancing accommodation for service personnel and their families, highlighting the significant investment aimed at maintaining and upgrading homes. Cartlidge expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and contractors in ensuring access to top-notch housing, including essential improvements addressing issues such as dampness and mold in approximately 5,000 properties.

One notable beneficiary of this initiative, Corporal Tom Amponsah-Dadzie of the Royal Logistic Corps, shared his positive experience after moving into one of the newly refurbished properties in Aldershot, Hampshire. Amponsah-Dadzie expressed delight at the superior quality of his new home, remarking on the joy it brings to his family and the positive impact it has on his well-being and effectiveness in carrying out his duties.

The refurbishment works, undertaken by DIO in collaboration with contractors VIVO Defence Services and Amey, have successfully transformed previously uninhabitable houses into warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes. Spread across various locations in the UK, including Tidworth, Aldershot, Brize Norton, and Catterick, these properties underwent extensive renovations, ranging from updated kitchens and bathrooms to improved heating systems and insulation.

In addition to the refurbishment efforts, DIO is also implementing measures to enhance the thermal efficiency of more than 4,000 properties, including the installation of new doors, windows, roofs, and external wall insulation. These improvements aim to mitigate issues related to dampness and mold while reducing the overall living costs for service families.

Phil Riley, Director of Accommodation at DIO, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in improving the standard of Service Family Accommodation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts with contractors to achieve these objectives. Similarly, Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, and Tom Silvey, Business Director Defence at Amey, commended the successful transformation of unused properties into modern, energy-efficient homes, ready to accommodate service personnel and their families.

With hundreds of homes refurbished across different regions of England, this initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing the housing options available to service families while ensuring their comfort and well-being.