The chosen firms – Bowmer + Kirkland, ExtraSpace Solutions, Kier McAvoy, Kier Metek, Laing O’Rourke and REDS10 – will build 1,600 bed spaces over the next six years, under the deal thought to be worth £2bn.

This forms part of a wider £5.3bn MOD plan to build or refurbish 40,000 SLA bed spaces over 10 years.

Alliance contractors will use a library of SLA base designs offering variations and flexibility to adapt according to the needs of the site and its personnel, such as the number of rooms required.

While the SLA design catalogue allows for different construction methods, providing flexibility for all accommodation requirements, the SLA Programmatic Approach focuses on Modern Methods of Construction with new blocks built off-site in sections.

This should improve the speed of manufacture and reduce the time spent on site, minimising disruption. The designs were created with sustainability in mind and will contribute to the Government’s Net Zero Carbon strategy.

Charlie Hoskins, DIO’s director of major programmes and projects, said: “I am convinced this new alliance using a programmatic approach will be crucial to improve our broader delivery of Single Living Accommodation.

“These blocks are one of the Armed Forces facilities we build the most and this approach will ensure we can safely build blocks faster, to a common design ensuring consistency of standards, and drive better value for money. Ultimately, this is about improving the living conditions for our Armed Forces personnel and every one of our suppliers is motivated by this aim.”

Over the next two years, a hybrid approach will be adopted with the full new approach being used for all projects from 2026 onwards.