A new £10.7 million headquarters for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is set to be built at DMS Whittington.

National contractor Kier has secured a deal to design and construct the HQ, which will include the development of a 2,600m² office building, as well as a new carpark.

The facility will predominantly be two storeys with some additional third-floor space creating new meeting rooms.

It is designed to be constructed using a modular method, with modules of approximately 15.9m x 3m being constructed off site. Windows and internal wall finishes will be installed in the factory to minimise site work and core areas containing toilets will be finished in the factory to enable finishes to be carried out in a controlled factory environment, leading to increased quality control and programme surety.

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Work is set to begin on site this summer ahead of scheduled completion in early 2021.

Mark Pausey, managing director at Kier Regional Building Central, said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded this project to design and construct DMS Whittington's brand-new HQ. Using offsite modular construction will allow us to simultaneously reach key milestones both onsite and in the factory, leading to the project being delivered to the DIO as quickly as possible and providing us with a more consistent end result."

Peter Lemon, DIO Sutton Coldfield Head of Establishment, commented: "DIO's new headquarters at DMS Whittington will ensure that staff will be able to enjoy many of the facilities that a large, modern, operational military base offers. Co-locating on an operational Defence site will also bring DIO staff closer to our customers and allow us to experience the Defence estate in use every day."

(CM/MH)