MOD announces NATO force move to Gloucestershire

[SO19]

MOD announces NATO force move to Gloucestershire
A Defence Policy and Business news article

15 May 08

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed today, Thursday 15 May 2008, that the Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) and its supporting elements will move from their current base in Germany to Innsworth in 2010.

The HQ ARRC, one of NATO's front-line high-readiness headquarters, will move from Rhine Garrison to the Gloucestershire base in 2010 in line with the MOD's current commitments and priorities. 1 Signal Brigade and 102 Logistics Brigade will also move to the UK. The preferred site is currently occupied by the Defence College for Aeronautical Engineering (DCAE) at Cosford in Shropshire. Detailed planning for these moves is ongoing.

Armed Forces Minister Mr Ainsworth said:

"The Innsworth site is being prepared to enable the necessary refurbishment and new building works to begin. We will work with the local authorities in Gloucestershire to prepare for the arrival of personnel, families and equipment in two years time. Innsworth was deemed to be the best suited site for this high calibre organisation and we hope the local community will be proud to welcome them."

Colonel Joe Fuller, a member of the Borona Programme team, said:

"Today's announcement is very good news because, while we have known for some time that the move was planned, this confirms it will definitely take place and we have a definite timeframe to work to.

"We hope today's news will be very good news for the local community that the Innsworth site is to become a headquarters again. Around 1,000 military personnel will be moving here, many of whom are very keen to come because Gloucestershire is a lovely location."

Speaking of the challenge that the Borona Programme team now face to make the move to Innsworth within the required timeframe Col Fuller added:

"Lots of work has already been done and we are well down the track in getting to where we need to be. Having the decision confirmed today means that we now have two years to get things in place.

"Obviously we will continue to work with all those affected within the local community here, as well as talking to the ARRC about their requirements. We want to make sure there are no surprises for anybody and that the move goes smoothly."

The MOD is making provision for an estimated 600 families to move to the area and is working with the local authorities in Gloucestershire to prepare for their arrival. Under the Borona Programme, around 3,600 British Forces will move from Germany to the UK. Although some parts of the programme are subject to final investment approval. The MOD first announced the establishment of the Borona project team in 2006 to examine in detail opportunities for rationalisation of basing arrangements in Germany.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Defen ... rshire.htm