Waterman wins contract with MoD

Waterman, an engineering and environmental consultancy, has announced its appointment to the Ministry of Defence’s Army Basing programme (ABP).

The programme, delivered by Aspire Defence, is designed to improve the working and living conditions for thousands of Army soldiers. It is an extension of Project Allenby/Connaught (PAC) and covers garrisons across Salisbury Plain and Aldershot.

ABP, valued at around £680m, plans to create 130 new buildings and over 2,6000 additional bed spaces for single soldiers by 2020.

The company will be retained as engineering designer for over 50% of the development programme.

Over the next four years under the ABP contract variation, new and enhanced garrison facilities will be completed at Bulford, Tidworth, Perham Down, Larkhill and Aldershot by Aspire Defence Capital Works (ADCW).

Chief executive Nick Taylor said: “We are honoured to be involved in this prestigious scheme which will vastly improve the lives of British soldiers and civilians. We look forward to meeting the challenging requirements of the ABP and continuing to work with this experienced team at Aspire Defence, delivering each building on time and to the high level of quality expected of us.”

The contract comes after the National Audit Office (NAO) put the MoD under fire for not investing enough in its barracks, depots and bases, possibly undermining the armed forces’ readiness to fight.

The report said that poor housing for service families was affecting morale and recruitment of personnel. The MoD has since said it will invest £4bn in training facilities and accomodation.

NAO have said the investment comes short as a further £8.5bn is needed to bring its estate up to scratch.

The share price rose 2.83% to 80.21p at 112 GMT on Tuesday.