Defence Infrastructure Organisation Building for the Future: Refurbishment of Service Family Homes

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In 2023, the Government allocated £400 million of additional funding to improve Service Family Accommodation as part of the Defence Command Paper refresh. This funding emphasised the importance of providing modern, energy efficient homes for Service personnel and their families.

At a glance

  • Refurbishment of over 1,000 Service Family Accommodation properties and 24 children’s playparks, including energy efficiency upgrades, new kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems.
  • Completed within 12 months, as part of the Government’s £400 million funding initiative.
  • Delivered through a partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and supply chain partners, with a focus on safety, clear communication, and sustainable solutions.
  • To improve the living conditions, energy efficiency, and community spaces for Service families, addressing outdated infrastructure and thermal inefficiency.
  • Successful delivery on time and within budget, providing safer, warmer, and more modern homes, while enhancing community wellbeing.

Key metrics

  • 1024

    properties received damp and mould remediation

  • 100%

    of works were delivered on time and in budget

  • 39

    properties upgraded with modern heating systems

Working in partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Amey and its supply chain partners, delivered an extensive programme of upgrades to more than a thousand military homes across the Central and North regions. From new kitchens and bathrooms to advanced heating systems and enhanced insulation, the work ensured the homes were winter ready, future proof and aligned with sustainability goals.

This programme enhanced the quality of life for Service families.

Ensuring family wellbeing

We were tasked with delivering the large-scale refurbishment within 12 months, addressing critical infrastructure and thermal efficiency issues in Service Family Accommodation across the Central and North regions. Many homes suffered from outdated infrastructure, impacting the comfort and wellbeing of families.

Adding complexity, much of the work was carried out with families in situ, making minimising disruption and ensuring safety a top priority. The programme also included refurbishing void (empty) properties to increase housing availability, replacing roofs to improve thermal efficiency, and upgrading 24 children’s play parks, fostering a stronger sense of community.

The scale of the project, combined with the extensive spread of properties across regions, presented logistical and coordination challenges. Additionally, winter conditions increased demand for maintenance, requiring us to scale up our Regional Customer Service Centre capacity to respond promptly to service requests.

Despite these challenges, we delivered the project on time and within budget, demonstrating our ability to manage complex, large-scale refurbishments efficiently. Throughout the works, we prioritised the safety of our workforce and families who remained in their homes, using clear and consistent communication alongside rigorous safety protocols.

Beyond improving housing standards, this programme enhanced the quality of life for Service families, creating safer, more energy-efficient homes and welcoming community spaces.

Image of family on sofa
This programme enhanced the quality of life for Service families, creating safer, more energy-efficient homes and welcoming community spaces.

We adopted a customer focused and innovative approach.

Working collaboratively to put customers first

Amey adopted a customer focused, innovative approach to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results.

What we delivered:

  • New roofs for 254 properties, along with 430 external wall insulation works, to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
  • Modern kitchens and bathrooms in 145 homes to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
  • Refurbishment of 201 void properties to expand housing options for families.
  • Installation of new heating systems, including boilers and air heat source pumps, in 39 properties.
  • Upgrade of 24 children’s playparks with new equipment, fencing, and safety flooring, providing safe spaces for families to relax and connect.

Safety measures:

We issued regular safety alerts and updates to its supply chain partners, reinforcing Zero Code principles. With many families living on site during works, safety protocols were enhanced, and contractors were instructed to follow rigorous processes and procedures.

Communication:

Effective communication was key to our approach. We worked closely with Welfare Officers, Service families, and its supply chain partners, providing clear updates of schedules, addressing concerns, and ensuring minimal disruption to daily life.

Innovative approach:

  • Leveraged advanced project management systems to streamline workflows and track progress in real time.
  • Increased Regional Customer Service centre advisors during the winter period to address seasonal maintenance needs.
  • Utilised sustainable products like external wall insulation and air heat source pumps to future-proof homes. 

Families can thrive in homes that are not only fit for today, but future-proofed for tomorrow.

Enhancing living standards with excellence and efficiency

Our refurbishment programme delivered transformative results, enhancing living conditions for Service families while meeting deadlines and budgets.

Key statistics:

  • 849 properties fitted with new doors and windows.
  • 254 homes received new roofs.
  • 201 void properties refurbished, increasing housing options for families.
  • 24 playparks upgraded with safe equipment and flooring.
  • 482 properties received external refurbishments, works included external wall insulation, new roofs, doors and windows and canopies.

Benefits for families:

Families now enjoy safer, warmer, and more modern homes alongside enhanced community spaces, directly improving their lived experience. These improvements align with Amey’s Winter Ready campaign, demonstrating our commitment to preparing homes for the colder months and supporting families all year round.

Additionally, the successful delivery of this extensive programme reflects our focus on project excellence and efficiency. By completing all works with the required 12 months and the client’s budget, Amey has showcased its ability to deliver complex, large-scale projects while prioritising the needs of Service families. This alignment reinforces our dedication to ensuring families can thrive in homes that are not only fit for today, but future-proofed for tomorrow.

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