A KINNERLEY-based building contractor has played its part in opening a new kitchen and dining facility for the armed forces at a nearby training camp.

Pave Aways teamed up with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Landmarc Support Services to open the £4million facility at Nesscliffe Training Camp.

The facility – which can feed 600 personnel each mealtime and up to 200 personnel in the field – includes additional storage and welfare space.

Improvements have also been made to the existing disabled facilities on the site.

Steven Owen, managing director of Pave Aways described it as an honour to work on the project.

He said: “Being able to deliver this flagship facility at Nesscliff was a huge honour for us, particularly as it was where Pave Aways carried out its first contract 47 years ago.

“Through our commitment to our local supply chain, it also provided a widespread economic boost – supporting jobs and businesses within a 25-mile radius.”

The use of Pave Aways provided a boost to the local economy, with the construction phase sustaining jobs for around 300 people locally.

DIO training safety officer, Major (Ret’d) Richard Slaney, said: “DIO supports our Armed Forces by providing what they need to live, work and train.

“Nesscliffe is an essential site for military training in the West Midlands and surrounding counties, dealing with all priority military units’ pre-operational training.

“With the changes in regular army basing and the increase in UK-based troops, this new kitchen and dining facility will allow Nesscliffe to support the inevitable increase in use, whilst providing the high-quality service that troops expect and deserve.”

Designed to meet the mandated 60-year life span for all new buildings, with enhanced thermal insulation and photovoltaic roof panels, the project supports the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Sustainable MoD Strategy and will significantly reduce ongoing maintenance and utilities costs for the MoD.

John Shippen, Landmarc’s Project Manager, added: “As DIO’s industry partner for the delivery of services across the national defence training estate, we’re proud to have been part of a project that is helping to provide the best training experience for our Armed Forces.

"This is a superb facility that will significantly improve the welfare of troops using the camp to train."