TIDWORTH'S new garrison commander got to see construction works underway to accommodate the relocation of soldiers during a visit to Swinton Barracks.

Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Balls viewed building works and took part in essential testing on Tuesday, 19 December, as construction continues under the Army Basing Programme (ABP).

Lt Col Balls viewed at firsthand new assets being delivered for the project and the procedures being carried out by Aspire Defence Capital Works (ADCW) to ensure high standards are being met for the soldiers.

The visit included carrying out air testing checks on the concrete piping which forms part of the ground works for a brand new officers' mess currently being built.

The officers’ mess is due to be completed in February 2019 and is one of the new buildings needed to cater for the rebasing of two signal regiments to Perham Down from locations across the UK in the summer of 2019.

ABP delivery is on track at Garrison sites across Salisbury Plain, including Perham Down where assets under construction include regimental headquarters and offices, junior and officer single living accommodation, and the officers’ mess.

The new infrastructure will support forces returning from Germany and relocating within the UK under ABP which aims to bring all military units back from Germany by 2020.

Lt Col Balls, who is now garrison commander of Tidworth, Netheravon and Bulford garrisons, said: “I am thrilled to be a part of the construction process here at Perham Down. It is excellent to see firsthand the high quality new build facilities being provided for our soldiers under the ABP.

"We look forward to the successful delivery of these assets over the next two years.”

Chief executive of Aspire Defence Limited, Allan Thompson, said: “We’re very pleased with the pace of construction progress across all our ABP build sites including Perham Down.

"We’re proud to be delivering long-term benefits to soldiers’ living and working space across Salisbury Plain.”

Kieran Ward, ABP SPTA delivery lead added: “It is great to have the opportunity to showcase the facilities being delivered behind the wire for our service personnel. The ABP remains committed to providing first class living and working accommodation to enable the relocation of service personnel from Germany in 2019.”