Construction begins on DIO鈥檚 new Whittington headquarters
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Kier have marked the start of construction work to create a new headquarters at the Defence Medical Services (DMS) Whittington site with a turf-cutting ceremony.
Kier and DIO cut the turf to mark the start of construction work for DIO鈥檚 new headquarters. Copyright of Kier Construction Limited .
DIO awarded a contract to Kier in February 2020 to carry out the work, which forms part of a wider 拢4-billion Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio investment to modernise the Defence estate. DIO staff will share the site with those who already work at DMS Whittington.
The building is being constructed using a modular method, with modules being built elsewhere and transported to the Whittington site for installation. All those working on-site are taking safety extremely seriously and following the latest government guidance for construction.
Social distancing rules were adhered to at all times during the turf-cutting ceremony. MOD Crown Copyright.
Peter Lemon, DIO鈥檚 Sutton Coldfield Head of Establishment, said:
It鈥檚 great to see the project moving forward and to see an existing military site being transformed into a place where DIO staff have the modern, fit-for-purpose offices they need to support our armed forces customers.
We take the safety of our staff and contractors very seriously and social distancing guidelines are being adhered to on site.
Mark Pausey, Managing Director at Kier Regional Building Central, said:
This is an important project for the DIO and we are pleased that we have been able to reach this milestone.
I would like to thank the teams working on site, who have adapted how they are working to adhere to the Construction Leadership Council鈥檚 Site Operating Procedures which are based on guidance issued by Public Health England.
DIO鈥檚 current headquarters, located in Sutton Coldfield. is set to be vacated by staff by Spring 2021.