RAF Brize Norton News

Amey and Partners DIO improve Service Family Accommodation at RAF Brize Norton

Work to improve the living environment of Service families at RAF Brize Norton continues with pace, as Amey, in partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), complete the latest phase of a major housing refurbishment as part of the on-going commitment to make Service family homes brighter and more energy efficient places to live.

Amey & DIO improve Service Family Accommodation at RAF Brize Norton
Amey and Partners DIO improve Service Family Accommodation at RAF Brize Norton

We all know that lighter and brighter homes are good for you. They improve your mood, energy and well-being and over the last four years we’ve refurbished more than 400 properties at RAF Brize Norton, replacing kitchens, bathrooms, roofs, windows and other fixtures and fittings to ensure that families are provided with warm, light and energy efficient homes.

This phase of the programme, carried out by local supply chain partners, Anglian Building Products, has seen 33 pre-fabs (non-traditional construction and originally built with a reinforced concrete panelled system during the 1940s to 1960s), transformed into modern homes with brand new windows and doors, 100mm insulation, new fascias, downpipes and guttering. The exterior of each property has been rendered in a subtle cream colour which is not only pleasing to the eye but blends beautifully into the surrounding area.

Kerry Wright, a Service wife and mum of six, is one of the occupants whose home was identified for the improvement work, which all took place whilst Kerry and her family continued to live in the property.

“I have to say that the communication from beginning to end was fantastic. I was given advance notice of all the dates and times of when work was scheduled which meant I was able to re-arrange some of the visits around work, school and other family commitments. The team involved in my house worked quickly, quietly and with minimum fuss. I was amazed when all the windows were replaced within just a few hours! They were extremely professional and polite and nothing was too much trouble for them.”

Installing external wall insulation and double glazed windows and doors has not only reduced noise but ensured that heat is kept inside the house meaning lower utility bills for families. A mid-terraced property can expect a fuel saving of £175 per year, whilst an end terraced property will save £260 a year! Kerry has already noticed a difference and commented that even when the temperature dropped outside, she hasn’t had to turn the heating on.

“We’re more than happy with the finish of our refurbishment and any little touch ups on paint work and tiles etc. were completed in good time and to a high standard. The windows and doors make us feel much more secure and the little extras we didn’t know we were getting, such as the outside tap, have been really handy. Our house stays warm all day and is such a lovely, cosy place for us all to be and of course, we’re definitely looking forward to lower bills this year.”

We’re really pleased that the works have enhanced the living experience of Kerry and her family, and indeed the other families at Brize Norton and were delighted to host Gp Capt Dan James MA MEng RAF, Station Commander, RAF Brize Norton, as he took a tour of the newly refurbished properties, even calling in on Kerry to hear, first-hand, of how she felt the project had been managed.

He said “I am really pleased with Amey’s work, commitment and collaboration with DIO to improve the quality of homes for our service families at RAF Brize Norton.  The upgrade to the Service Families Accommodation is exceptionally important for the Station and is a good example of how the RAF is investing in its people.”

Amey’s Senior Project Manager, Mark Selby, added “These are the projects that give me the most satisfaction especially as I live in the area. The external appearance of these properties has changed dramatically and non-military locals are delighted with the how the transformation of these properties has improved the appearance of the town.”

We’re currently planning the next phase of the programme which has identified a further 152 properties at RAF Brize Norton that are in need of refurbishment following the investment of £4.3m by the MOD to improve Service Family Accommodation (SFA) which will ‘future-proof’ the housing stock on the Estate for many years to come.

Original Story by Karen Homer on the Amey Defence Services website

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