Global services company Sodexo has seen its contract with Project Allenby/Connaught ‘significantly’ increase; with the influx of new personnel there has been an introduction of 130 new buildings, including regimental HQ’s, offices and single living accommodation.
Paul Anstey, chief executive officer of Government & Agencies at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “This has been an exciting time for our teams across the garrisons as we have seen fantastic new buildings being constructed.
“We have worked closely with Aspire Defence Services throughout the programme to ensure that the existing and the new personnel stationed here receive the highest standard of service from the catering, retail and leisure facilities.”
A new junior ranks ‘super’ diner, one of seven new outlets, is one of the largest of its kind with a team of six professional chefs catering for five Royal Artillery regiments. The diner can house more than 600 soldiers during a meal sitting.
The ‘super’ diner houses a retail outlet, coffee shop and bar facilities, offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for seven days a week.
Mark Carr, managing director at Aspire Defence Services added: “Feeding the Army is a complex operation. A staggering 3.4 million meals are served to soldiers in our dining facilities across Salisbury Plain and Aldershot each year that equates to some 9,500 meals every single day.
“The Sodexo teams work closely with each garrison operational team to ensure customer satisfaction is maintained.”
Sodexo’s team of 1,416 has grown to almost 1,652 as the number of kitchens has risen to 60 and catering locations have increased to 78.
The infrastructure programme is being undertaken by Aspire Defence Capital Works across garrisons and is scheduled to complete in 2020.
In addition to the existing catering and retail outlets the following have been added:
- Larkhill: New junior ranks diner; two new senior ranks dining and a new officers Mess.
- Bulford: New senior ranks dining and refurbished senior ranks into an officers Mess.
- Perham Down: New senior ranks and officers Mess.
- Tidworth: New senior ranks dining plus two existing senior ranks and one officers Mess, all refurbished.