A steel frame twice the size of Wembley football pitch has been installed at a new Army vehicle storage site.

The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP) will provide vehicles with Controlled Humidity Environment (CHE) storage, reducing maintenance costs and unnecessary deterioration caused by extreme drops or rises in temperature. The project will also add dedicated inspection and maintenance spaces, as well as office spaces.

The final two bays for the steel frame measuring 165m x 99m were completed on Tuesday 13 June, with the installation being witnessed by representatives of the Army and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) VSSP delivery team, Skanska UK and Mace.

The works will also include the demolition of 58 existing buildings by Skanska UK. Overall, the project is expected to create 400 new jobs as well as support for ten apprenticeships.

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Reflecting on their involvement, Adam McDonald, Executive Vice President, Skanska UK, said:

"It's exciting to see the team reaching this significant milestone as we collaborate to transform the site. I'd like to thank them for the huge amount of care in their work to get us to this point.

"We're proud to contribute to this landmark project to enable the British Army's vehicle fleet to be at a greater state of readiness and deployability. We’re also proud to support the DIO's challenge to drive greener solutions: with sustainability as a guiding principle, we’re using modern methods of construction and productivity improvements to drive down carbon emissions."

Commenting on the project, Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner of VSSP said: "I am delighted with the pace of progress to deliver this exceptional facility for the British Army: it is fantastic to see the first new buildings beginning to take shape.

"This event has also given us an opportunity to mark the revalidation of the Gold award for Skanska UK under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme: this accolade pays testament to the successful partnership approach between the delivery teams, and our shared commitment to improving working infrastructure for Service personnel here at Ashchurch while supporting the Army’s operational capability."