Amey, supply chain partner PD&CL, and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) have successfully handed over a major refurbishment project at Marchwood Military Port (MMP) that will improve the lived experience of around 60 military families stationed at the site.
This extensive project, part of the Government’s drive to improve Service Family Accommodation (SFA) across the Defence estate via fiscal stimulus funding, has been handed over ahead of time due to the collaborative working relationship between Amey, the DIO, PD&CL and the onsite 17 Port & Maritime Regiment Unit Welfare Office.
60 Service family homes situated in ten blocks of six maisonettes, have received a full, external refurbishment, with the addition of new uPVC windows and doors, external wall insulation and new roofs, soffits and facias.
Work began in June 2021 and needed careful planning as all families remained in their homes throughout the project. Communication was prioritised to ensure families were kept fully informed of all works due to take place. An open morning at the community centre was held each Wednesday and provided families with the opportunity to attend, grab a coffee and raise any questions or concerns directly with members of our team. These mornings were welcomed by all who attended and proved to be key to the success of the project – with levels of complaints down to almost zero.
While this project has improved the aesthetic appeal of the homes, it has also increased the SAP score (a calculation of a building’s efficiency). Before the refurbishment, the SAP scores for the blocks ranged between 44-69 (Bands D & E), but following the works, the scores are expected to rise to 75-78 (Band C). A carbon saving of 0.5 tonnes per maisonette, per year, is also expected.
Following completion of the project, PD&CL’s Managing Director, Shaun Dance, was extremely impressed with the all-round team effort and contributed £6,000 to fully furnish and redecorate the Unit Welfare accommodation house. The entire property was redecorated, and PD&CL worked closely with Unit Welfare to source brand new furniture and white goods, all purchased online and delivered directly to site.
The Welfare house is an important part of the estate and enables Service personnel to have contact with their friends and family, which is particularly beneficial during deployments, hospital admissions and graduations. The property is now a bright, clean and comfortable place to be, ideal for spending time with loved ones.
Air Cdre James Savage, DIO’s Head of Accommodation, said: “I’m delighted to see the upgrades to these homes, which will make a real difference to the families living there. This forms part of a £122m Service Family Accommodation upgrade programme, announced by the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Defence in July 2020. These maisonettes are just a fraction of around 2,880 properties being significantly refurbished as part of this work, and I hope all the families are very happy in their improved homes.”
