Joining forces

The transformation of on-base military accommodation in the US to create environments suitable for attracting and retaining military personnel began in 1996. Balfour Beatty is established as the leading provider, capable of delivering a seamless financing, construction and FM service through Balfour Beatty Communities and Balfour Beatty Construction US.

The Military Housing Privatisation Initiative of 1996 transformed the way in which homes and communities are created and managed for the US armed forces. For the first time, this programme gave the private sector the opportunity to be responsible for the design, construction, operation and management of military housing.

Balfour Beatty Communities, the industry leader in privatised military housing, and Balfour Beatty Construction US have now built 1,449 new family homes at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia, the largest US Army installation east of the Mississippi River, and are responsible for maintaining over 3,700 homes in addition to five community centres and over 60 play areas. This is facilities management on a huge scale; managing all the services for what is, in effect, a small town.

Towards the end of 2008, the installation officially opened the first units in its new single soldier accommodation project. Privatised single soldier housing is a relatively new initiative for the Army and Balfour Beatty has one of the five such pilot projects currently underway. At Fort Stewart, construction of the single soldier units began in January 2008 with completion scheduled for February 2010. Ultimately, the accommodation will comprise 334 apartments and extensive community facilities.

Experience and expertise
Balfour Beatty Communities and Balfour Beatty Construction US first began working together several years ago, long before they were acquired by the Group in 2008 and 2007 respectively. Balfour Beatty Communities develops, finances, operates and manages the projects which are in the majority of cases, built by Balfour Beatty Construction US.

Balfour Beatty Communities is currently responsible for maintaining over 33,000 homes for all three branches of the US military, with a presence on 44 bases in 20 states and Washington, DC.

Life on a military base presents unique challenges, including frequent relocation, family separation due to deployment, plus the ever-present dangers associated with military roles. These and other challenges are compounded by the fact that a high number of residents are young adults and families.

Balfour Beatty Communities has unparalleled knowledge of the specific needs of military families, together with unique expertise and capabilities to satisfy those needs and create a rewarding environment that its residents can truly call home.