DIO begins £3m refurb of Garelochhead training facilities

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has marked the start of major £3 million refurbishment to create new training facilities at Garelochhead ranges in Scotland.

The project sees Landmark Support Services, Mackenzie Construction and consulting engineers DJ Goode and Associates, partner up to transform the ranges in to two new developments.

The refurbishment will include a new 100 metre grouping and zeroing (G&Z) range and a 600 metre Electronic Target Range (ETR). There is also set to be a single range building complex and classrooms, a targetry store and workshops, which will serve each range.

Lieutenant Colnel Mike Onslow, regional commander for DIO SD (Service Delivery) Training in Scotland, said: “DIO is committed to improving the facilities and services that it provide to its armed forces and this project is a great example of how we are doing this.

“It’s exciting to see the project starting to take shape. This investment into new ranges will bring enhanced training facilities and opportunities to Garelochhead, as well as cost savings for our armed forces and the MOD police."

Claire Travis, project manager for Landmarc Support Services, commented: “Work is progressing well. The existing grenade range has now been demolished and the earthworks are in full force to prepare the ground for construction, which is due to begin in the next few weeks.

“All the waste material from the demolition and the earthworks is being re-used to install a noise reduction bund to minimise the impact of noise pollution on the local community. Other sustainable initiatives include biodigestion, rainwater harvesting and a ground source heat pump, which will start to be installed in early April.”

The project is expected to reach completion by February 2017.