§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of refurbishing the flats at 49–144 Stillington street, London SW 1 , owned by his Department; and what plans he has to make these homes available to service families. [5879]
§ Mr. SoamesNos 49-144 Stillington street are blocks of flats providing one of the primary housing sites for the families of service personnel based in central London. A total refurbishment of these blocks is currently being undertaken as part of an on-going upgrade programme.
The Stillington street project is in two phases. Phase 1, involving 48 units, was completed in May 1994 at a cost of £3.5 million. Phase 2, involving 96 units, is due for completion in May-June 1996 at an estimated cost of £6.6 million.
The flats, which were completed in May 1994, accommodate families of service personnel posted to Army units in central London. The remainder of the flats, when completed, will house the balance of the families of the Infantry Battalion who are housed at Hounslow.
Our on-going refurbishment and development plans will enable us to surrender property at Caterham, Uckfield and north London with consequential improvements in operational responsiveness and savings both in travelling time and residence to duty costs.