Demolition starts on US$295 million army project

Skanska secured the VSSP contract for the works at MOD Ashchurch in May 2022. (Photo: Gov.uk)

The company recently carried out the first demolition at MOD Ashchurch in Tewkesbury, located to the south of Birmingham, for the two-phase Army’s Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP).

The £259 million (US$296 million) RSSV programme will see a total of 58 structures demolished, one facility refurbished and the construction of 12 new buildings.

The first of the new buildings is due to be built in February 2023. Skanska will carry out all building works using modern methods of construction and will undertake all mechanical and electrical engineering works for the programme. 

Katy Dowding, Skanska Executive Vice President at Skanska UK, said: “We’re excited to begin demolition on this significant project, as from this point forward, we are on the way to transforming the site into a facility that will protect and futureproof the British Army’s vehicle fleet – and we’re really proud to be a part of that.”

As well as delivering CHE vehicle storage for military vehicles, VSSP will also provide dedicated inspection and maintenance spaces.

The new buildings will meet the latest sustainability standards and will seek to achieve the DREEAM (Defence Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent standard for sustainability. 

Additionally, the programme of works will be carried out using “a green site set up approach and productivity monitoring” to help drive down carbon emissions.

This will see the installation of solar panels at the site, which will provide a large portion of it with electricity to meet the sustainable energy requirement.

Belinda Lunn, senior responsible owner for VSSP, said: “I am delighted to be present for this demolition which marks the start of the works at the Ashchurch site.

“It is well known that several buildings are in poor condition, and I look forward to working with our partners to deliver the Vehicle Storage and Support Programme that will return the site to full operating capability.

“This important work will provide vehicles with Controlled Humidity Environment (CHE) storage, reducing maintenance costs and unnecessary deterioration caused by extreme drops or rises in temperature, ensuring that our fleet is operationally ready at all times.”