Army plans £40m revamp of Kendrew Barracks
Proposals for a £40million redevelopment of Kendrew Barracks will go on show on Tuesday for people in the Cottesmore area to have their say.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Army are unveiling the proposals, as part of the Army Basing Programme announced in March 2013 by the Secretary of State for Defence. The programme will provide the facilities the Army needs to live, work and train in the UK as it returns from Germany, rebases across the UK and restructures to its Army 2020 formations.
The redevelopment works proposed for Kendrew Barracks will include converting the former RAF Cottesmore base into a fit-for-purpose facility for 2 Royal Anglian Regiment and 7 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, already based at the barracks.
Kendrew Barracks will also become home to 18 Army Education Centre Group when it relocates from nearby St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham once the works are complete.
The proposals include new living accommodation, leisure and catering facilities, a gymnasium and vehicle workshops, along with the refurbishment or reconfiguration of existing buildings such as transforming former hangars into garaging and maintenance facilities for large military vehicles.
These infrastructure enhancements will allow the Army units to reach their full operating capability.
People will be able to view the proposals from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday at Cottesmore Community Centre in Main Street.
They will be able to ask questions, find out more about the Army units based at the barracks and give feedback on the plans to DIO and Army representatives.
Defence Infrastructure Organisation requirements manager Tim Quinnell said: “This event is a great opportunity for people to find out more about our plans for the barracks and the Army units based there. We encourage people to attend and give us their views which we will take on board before planning applications are submitted.”
Lt Col Richard Chesterfield, station commandant for Kendrew Barracks, added: “The MOD is planning significant new investment in Kendrew Barracks to adapt and improve the facilities to better support our people and more effectively deliver military capability.
“This is good news as it demonstrates that Kendrew Barracks has an enduring future and cements its position in the wider community.”
Planning applications will be submitted to Rutland County Council in December. If approved, construction is expected to commence by early 2017.
