Northern Ireland-based contractor Henry Brothers has delivered a major new facility at Beacon Barracks in Staffordshire for 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron.

The £27 million scheme provides modern, purpose-built accommodation and operational spaces for the unit, which is relocating from Dorset.

The two-storey building, constructed within a secure compound, contains offices, conference rooms, a reception area, workshops, garaging, storage rooms, welfare facilities and mechanical and electrical engineering plant rooms. Solar panels on the roof contribute to the building's energy supply.

In addition, Henry Brothers has completed a single-storey satellite communications building for the squadron. This supports its role as a Deployable Communication Module, installing and managing strategic communication and information systems for a deployed NATO headquarters.

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MD of Henry Brothers Ian Taylor said: "We were very proud to have been appointed to build this new facility for 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron, which plays a key role in NATO.

"Henry Brothers has worked in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) at several armed forces bases over a number of years, helping to deliver and improve facilities. We are pleased to have completed this latest scheme at Beacon Barracks, allowing 280 (NATO) Squadron to relocate and move to a new, purpose-built home."

Working alongside Henry Brothers were client project manager Mott MacDonald and multi-disciplinary consultants, Pick Everard, providing architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, civil and structural engineering, building services, sustainability and health and safety.

Steve Cummings, Operations Director at Pick Everard, added: "Designing and delivering this facility for 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron with Henry Brothers was a responsibility we approached with great care and pride, knowing the critical role the unit plays in supporting NATO’s communications. Working in close partnership with Henry Brothers and the Ministry of Defence, our team delivered a state-of-the-art facility tailored to the operational requirements to enable the relocation from Dorset.

"From integrating robust security measures to embedding sustainable energy solutions, every element of the design was developed to serve the squadron’s mission now and long into the future."

The project, which is ranked as Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method (DREAM) Excellent, was delivered by Henry Brothers for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) via the Crown Commercial Service Framework.