What was the challenge?
Amey was contracted to facilitate the relocation of 150 families to the Weeton and Chester Defence communities, ensuring their new homes met the highest standards while managing tight schedules, overlapping appointments, and unpredictable delays. This required coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including CLC Group Ltd, DIO, and Pinnacle, to overcome challenges such as ongoing external wall insulation (EWI) works and third-party delays. The primary goal was to ensure all families could transition smoothly while meeting Defence Unit flight commitments, maintaining property standards, and adhering to client spending requirements.
We were also tasked with addressing a lack of lighting at Weeton Barracks, where streetlighting was nearly non-existent, leading to safety concerns. This required a solution that not only addressed immediate security needs but also aligned with sustainable energy goals to support the government’s net-zero strategy.
How did Amey approach the problem?
To manage the complex relocation of families, Amey developed a flexible approach, working closely with supply chain partners to ensure that handovers were smooth and timely. At peak times, we prepped and handed over as many as 40 properties weekly, ensuring all homes were ready for families despite complications like ongoing construction and third-party delays. Regular communication with families was a key priority, ensuring they were informed throughout the process.
In addition to the relocation, Amey tackled the lighting issue at Weeton Barracks by installing 33 solar-powered streetlights. This innovative solution enhanced safety for residents while avoiding costly underground cabling repairs. Working with our specialist supplier, Integrated Parking, we tailored the lighting solution to the unique needs of the site, aligning with our commitment to decarbonising the Defence estate and contributing to the government’s net-zero strategy by 2050.
What was the outcome?
The outcome of the project was a resounding success. Amey ensured all 150 families moved into their new homes on schedule, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both the families and the Defence community. Our ‘One Team’ approach was credited for the seamless execution, ensuring the wellbeing, safety, and comfort of the families.
In addition to the successful relocations, the solar-powered streetlighting project at Weeton Barracks significantly improved safety for residents while reducing the environmental footprint of the estate. By delivering a cost-effective and sustainable lighting solution, Amey not only supported the government’s net-zero strategy but also demonstrated innovation in solving client problems.
A Pinnacle representative said: “The feedback from the unit has been phenomenal. The families were all amazed at the standard of housing they received, with no major issues, and expressed a huge thanks to all the teams involved in the move.”
