GB Building Solutions wins £50m defence PFI

GB Building Solutions has won a contract worth at least £50m over the next five years on Project Allenby/Connaught, the largest infrastructure PFI ever let by the Ministry of Defence.

The construction firm will deliver complete new build and refurbished accommodation for UK-based soldiers and those returning from operations following its appointment as a subcontractor to Aspire Defence, a joint venture between Carillion and KBR, on Project Allenby/Connaught.

The project is delivering, on average, two new or refurbished buildings a week 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 sports and leisure facilities.

Construction on the project began in 2006 and will last for eight years running alongside a 35-year facilities management contract. The current £480m phase will stretch over five years.

Martin Smout, chair and chief executive of GB Building Solutions says, “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.”