The British Army’s cyber specialists are set to move into a new, purpose-built home after the Ministry of Defence confirmed a £279 million investment to redevelop Duke of Gloucester Barracks
in Gloucestershire.
The major construction programme will deliver modern accommodation and specialist training facilities for 13 Signal Regiment, the Army unit responsible for defensive cyber operations. The regiment plays a critical role in protecting military networks from cyber threats in the UK and during overseas operations and exercises.
Under the plans, the barracks will become home to the Army’s Cyber, Information and Security Operations Centre. New technical buildings and training spaces will be constructed alongside upgraded living facilities designed to reflect the demands of modern military life.
The project includes the creation of 248 single living accommodation rooms for service personnel, as well as 30 new homes for service families. Existing military housing on the site will also be refurbished as part of the redevelopment.
The investment follows the findings of the Strategic Defence Review, which identified cyber and electromagnetic capabilities as central to modern warfare. The review revealed that UK military networks have faced more than 90,000 cyber attacks from hostile actors over the past two years. In response, the government is establishing a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command to strengthen the UK’s position at the forefront of cyber operations.
Beyond strengthening national security, the project is expected to deliver a significant boost to the local economy. The contract will create 92 jobs, including roles for ex-military personnel and 32 apprenticeships supported by structured training programmes.
The construction contract has been awarded to British firm Bovis by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Work will include specialist technical accommodation, advanced training facilities and sustainable infrastructure designed to meet future operational needs.
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “Our Strategic Defence Review highlights how the cyber and electromagnetic domain are at the heart of modern warfare.
We are making this significant investment to enhance the Army’s cyber capabilities while delivering an improved lived experience for Service Personnel, alongside new homes for Service Families.
Creating dozens of jobs, the work will also back local industry and demonstrates defence as an engine for growth”.
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2027, with completion expected by spring 2030, in time for the regiment’s relocation to the site.
The MOD confirmed that the project will prioritise local and small business involvement, with 25 per cent of spending going to companies within 50 miles of the barracks and a quarter of the on-site workforce employed locally. Small and medium-sized enterprises will receive 25 per cent of the total project spend.
The redevelopment forms part of the Ministry of Defence’s wider Defence Estate Optimisation programme, aimed at delivering modern, sustainable infrastructure while supporting operational readiness and improving life for military personnel.
Major General AJ Smith CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure and Senior Responsible Owner for the DEO Army Programme, said:
“Investment in new infrastructure at Duke of Gloucester Barracks will enable the growth of the Army’s cyber capability and enhance operational readiness.
This project is a great example of our ongoing effort to modernise our estate, improve the environments where our people live, work and train, and provide the facilities they need to carry out their vital roles for UK Defence”.
Warren Webster, DIO MPP Programme Director – Army, said:
“This contract award paves the way for some fantastic new infrastructure at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, including new Single Living Accommodation rooms and brand new technical and training buildings for personnel.
All told, it’s a significant improvement to the site which will benefit personnel”.
Andrew Mackay, Managing Director, Public Sector & Regions, Bovis said:
“We are proud to be leading the ambitious modernisation of Duke of Gloucester Barracks.
This programme - delivering high‑quality Single Living Accommodation alongside major infrastructure enhancements and upgrades to existing buildings - will provide our armed forces with the modern, sustainable facilities they deserve.
As a longstanding and valued client, we look forward to working closely with the DIO to achieve their ambitions”. Photo by Michael Trolove, Wikimedia commons.