Kendrew Barracks at Cottesmore set for £61 million development to allow for disposal of St George’s Barracks at North Luffenham in Rutland
A training centre for military dogs is to be created at an army base through a £61 million project.
The 1st Military Working Dog (MWD) Regiment is to be shifted across Rutland from its current home at St George’s Barracks, at North Luffenham, to Kendrew Barracks at Cottesmore.
The future of St George’s Barracks has been the source of much debate and scrutiny since the Ministry of Defence earmarked for closure, with plans for a garden village falling by the wayside, and rumours scotched last year that it could house asylum seekers.
Eleven new buildings will be created at Kendrew, while four more buildings will be refurbished in the £61 million scheme which will enable the permanent disposal of St George’s, scheduled for 2026.
The new infrastructure, to be built by Nottingham-based construction company Willmot Dixon, will also see the relocation of the 18 Army Education Centre from Colchester to Cottesmore.
Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner, Army Basing Project at Kendrew, said: “I am delighted to see the Kendrew Barracks project progressing as part of our ongoing effort to rationalise the defence estate, provide the right infrastructure for the Army and enable the delivery of the important military work dogs capability.”
A new veterinary centre will be built as well as 173 new kennels, new squadron offices, a new gym and training facilities.
The existing regimental headquarters and quartermaster stores will be refurbished, with the whole project expected to be completed by December 2025.
“These will be high-quality facilities for our service personnel at Kendrew Barracks, built with environmental sustainability at its heart,” said Warren Webster, DIO, MPP Army Programme Director.
Nick Heath, director of Willmot Dixon, added: “It’s always a privilege to contribute to national defence by making sure the estate meets the needs of those who access and use the facilities.”