GB Building Solutions has been appointed as a sub‐contractor to Aspire Defence on Project Allenby/Connaught and will deliver complete new build and refurbished accommodation for UK based soldiers and those returning from operations.

Aspire Defence, a joint venture between Carillion and KBR, is delivering Project Allenby/Connaught, the largest infrastructure PFI ever let by the Ministry of Defence. The quality of life for over 18,700 soldiers, 20% of the British Army, is improving thanks to the provision of modern, high quality, fully serviced and purpose built living and working accommodation across the garrisons of Aldershot and Salisbury Plain.


The Project is already significantly improving the lives of soldiers, at what is a crucial time for many, with more than 4,100 soldiers having already moved into their own single en‐suite living accommodation. The new and refurbished buildings include Junior Ranks Single Living Accommodation (JRSLA) blocks, eight‐man houses, dining facilities, mess halls, offices, stores, workshops and something else that returning heroes will welcome – sports and leisure facilities.

The construction started in 2006 and will last for eight years running alongside a 35 year facilities management contract. The current £480 million phase is for the next five years running until 2015.

Martin Smout, Chairman and Chief Executive of GB Building Solutions said: "This is a project which will make a significant difference to the lives of almost 19,000 soldiers based in Aldershot and Salisbury Plain.

"For GB Building Solutions it is likely to mean £50m of new business over the next five years, as a direct result of our solutions led approach of working in partnership with our clients to deliver each project on time and to budget.

"We are expecting to announce our first project for Aspire Defence any day now, and hope to start work within the next month."

(CD/GK)