The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has unveiled a £279 million project to build a state-of-the-art home for the Army’s cyber regiment at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. This ambitious development will provide advanced accommodation and specialist training facilities for 13 Signal Regiment, enhancing both operational readiness and community prosperity.
Scheduled for completion by Spring 2030, the new barracks will feature 248 single living quarters alongside 30 family homes for service personnel, creating a modern and supportive environment for the cyber warriors safeguarding the nation.
In addition to upgraded living and training facilities, the barracks will house the Army’s Cyber, Information, and Security Operations Centre. This centre plays a pivotal role in defending the UK’s networks against cyber threats, which have increased markedly, with over 90,000 attacks on military systems in the past two years alone.
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Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized the critical importance of cyber security in contemporary warfare, noting that the investment not only secures physical infrastructure but also strengthens the UK’s cutting-edge capabilities to deter aggression. “This is about protecting the country against very real digital threats,” he said.
The project promises significant local economic benefits, generating 92 new jobs, including 32 apprenticeships and opportunities for ex-military personnel. A substantial portion of the contract’s spending—25% of on-site workforce and local business contracts—will go to communities within 50 miles of the site, fostering regional economic growth.
Construction, managed by British company Bovis under the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, is set to begin in Summer 2027. The company commits to delivering sustainable, modern facilities that meet the Army’s high standards.
Senior Defence officials highlight the project as a key component in modernizing the UK’s military estate and reinforcing the Army’s cyber capabilities. Major General AJ Smith CBE stated, “This investment enables growth in our cyber capabilities and improves the living and working conditions for our personnel.”
As cyber threats become ever more sophisticated, this new barracks represents a vital step in the UK’s commitment to maintaining robust national security and nurturing the skilled workforce essential to protecting the country’s digital frontiers.