THE £23MILLION PROJECT to transform facilities at RAF Lossiemouth and make the base fit as the home of the frontline Typhoon force has been completed ahead of time and under budget.
Work began on the project in October 2014 and was managed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), providing a new HQ building for II (Army Cooperation) Squadron and refurbishing nine hardened aircraft shelters.
Parking areas for eight aircraft with new floodlights was also provided as was a complete renovation of dining facilities for crews. The work was essential to support the Squadron’s role in providing the UK’s Quick Action Alert (Interceptor) North operations that had formerly been based at Leuchars.
As the work was completed seven months ahead of schedule the squadron can now operate independently from now.
The new headquarters provides the state-of-the-art secure facilities required by a fast jet squadron. It also accommodates engineering and logistics facilities and the Survival Equipment Section, which maintains all of the high-tech equipment worn by Typhoon pilots during flight; classroom facilities and executive and administrative offices.
Jim Ellistone, DIO’s Project Manager said: “The facility was delivered almost a month early and significantly under budget. By any standards, this has been a superb team effort. Collaboration by all parties has been outstanding and we have had the full support of the Royal Air Force throughout.”
Officer Commanding II(AC) Squadron, Wing Commander Roger Elliott, added: “I cannot thank enough all those who were involved in the design, development and delivery of the Squadron’s new facilities.
“I am delighted to take possession of the new building, and the renovated associated infrastructure around the southern Hardened Aircraft Shelters site at RAF Lossiemouth. This is a 21st century facility for a 21st century fighter squadron; the combination is second to none.”
Last night Moray’s MP, Angus Robertson, welcome the early completion, saying: “In recent years we have gone through a rollercoaster with RAF Lossiemouth from the threat of closure, through the success of the community led campaign to retain the base, to the announcements that Typhoon squadrons and Maritime Patrol Aircraft are coming to the base.
“The workforce who have delivered this infrastructure project for the Typhoons early and under budget should be commended.
“Many new personnel to the base are already well settled in Moray with many more personnel set to arrive in the coming months and years.
“Moray continues its strong relationship with the service community and I am pleased that the importance of the base is being properly recognised and invested in.”