PriDE manages Defence Estates’ South East Regional Prime Contract (SE RPC). Valued at around £380m, the SE RPC is one of five regional prime contracts currently in place in the UK.

Site:RAF Benson

Project: 78 Squadron Merlin Helicopter Base

RAF Benson transformed to accommodate six Merlin Battlefield Helicopters and troops returning from tour

Delivery

Provision of the UK Aircraft Servicing Base for 78 Sqn’s newly procured six Merlin Battlefield Helicopters.

Fully operational by the Sqn’s UK formation date.

Innovation

Fast track delivery utilising Core Work Project Management expertise alongside MNW local site knowledge and delivery procedures.

Added Value

Conversion of a rateable yet derelict building to provide office accommodation for decanted Oxford University Air Squadron personnel. Delivered without adverse impact on the Oxford Air Ambulance adjacent operation.

Contract Value/Programme

Circa £1.35m - Delivered in 31 weeks

Background

In March 2007 RAF Benson was chosen as the base location for 78 Squadron. With six brand new Merlin Mk3 Helicopters being procured from Denmark, and the requirement for the base to be fully operational by January 2008, a fast track, co-ordinated upgrade and refurbishment programme was necessary.

The delivery package procured by PriDE involved the following:

• Realigning and resurfacing existing taxiway T2
• Upgrading T2 Hangar to accommodate Grob Aircraft decanted from B Hangar
• Upgrading B Hangar to accommodate 78 Sqn’s helicopter base maintenance, office and storage requirements
• Converting a building into SLA for associated pilot training
• Converting an originally derelict building into new office accommodation for those decanted from B Hangar