The MOD is looking to rationalise its Army storage estate and dispose of two of its four bases as part of its ongoing review of surplus property.
The two bases which are likely to be sold, subject to the outcome of a consultation with trade unions, include sub-depots at Thatcham in Berkshire and Old Dalby in Leicestershire.
The largest disposal is expected to be the regional depot in Station Road, Thatcham, which includes 77,669 sq m (836,050 sq ft) of large warehouses, smaller storage depots, offices and workshops. The site is located 2 miles east of Newbury on the A4 London to Bristol.
The other base under consideration is Old Dalby, near Melton Mowbray. Last year the MOD sold 4.86ha (12 acre) of the 32 ha (79 acre) to Abro Properties and is now considering selling the remainder. The location is understood to be quite poor, situated off the main A606 road between Northampton and Melton Mowbray.
The MOD has been disposing of surplus assets for a number of years, but the latest wave has been prompted by the new Government’s strategic defence review which is expected to result in significant reductions in the Army’s future storage requirements. Defence spokesman Lord Gilbert said: “This reflects the need to drive down the overall size of the Army storage inventory to reflect changes in defence planning assumptions and to reduce the costs of our storeholdings.”
He added: “All support activities are being rigorously scrutinised against the benchmark of value for money and to ensure that we retain only those assets which are essential for defence needs.”
EGi News 28/11/97
