A new £14 million accommodation block has been officially opened at DM Kineton in Warwickshire. The building, named the Muir Building, was opened by Ben Muir, the son of SSgt Chris Muir, an Ammunition Technician who was killed in Iraq in 2003.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) led the project, with construction by Algeco on behalf of VIVO. The building was constructed using modern methods, with units manufactured off-site before assembly at DM Kineton, which reportedly reduced disruption during the construction phase.
The Muir Building features 46 en-suite bedrooms for officers and senior non-commissioned officers, including two fully accessible rooms. It also provides kitchenettes, communal areas, laundry rooms, utility rooms, and a cycle store.
Sustainable features are integrated into the building, such as solar panels for power generation, air source heat pumps for heating, and recycled water from sink drainage systems for boot-washing stations. Additional trees have been planted as part of the landscaping.
Richard Walsh, DIO RD Central Project Delivery Manager, stated that the building provides modern, high-quality accommodation. Lt Col Chris Ralling, DM Kineton Head of Establishment, noted that the new block will provide fantastic, sustainable accommodation to 46 personnel on site. The first soldiers are expected to move into the new accommodation block in early September.