Purpose-built facilities enhance NATO’s communication capability

Mott MacDonald has project managed the successful delivery of a new £27M base for the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which will support NATO’s strategic operations and its mission-critical communications infrastructure.

The handover of the state-of-the-art two-storey facility this summer enabled the relocation of NATO (280) Signal Squadron - the only British Army unit permanently assigned to NATO - from Dorset to Beacon Barracks, Stafford. The new facility will formally open in early 2026 when the Squadron become fully operational at Beacon Barracks.

The project included the delivery of a Deployable Communications Module that will enable the construction and management of secure, communications and information systems in support of NATO operations worldwide.

Working in partnership with Henry Brothers and Pick Everard, Mott MacDonald provided consultancy and design services across all RIBA stages, ensuring both facilities met both MOD standards and NATO operational requirements. The new building includes offices, conference and reception areas, workshops, garages, storage, welfare amenities, and mechanical and electrical plant rooms, designed to support operational efficiency and wellbeing.

Sustainability was embedded throughout the design, which features rooftop solar panels, air source heating, rainwater harvesting systems and an on-site attenuation pond. These elements helped the building achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating under the Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) and contribute to the MOD’s long-term net-zero ambitions.

Mott MacDonald defence lead, Paul Harrison said: “The successful delivery of this high-quality, future-ready communications facility for NATO (280) Signal Squadron reflects our commitment to supporting critical infrastructure through collaborative design and innovation."

We used our multidisciplinary expertise to ensure the project not only achieved its performance and sustainability goals but also delivered long-term value for the UK’s critical defence operations.

The project was delivered for the Army by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) via the Crown Commercial Service Framework. It has been recognised with a Commended Collaboration Award at the DIO Excellence Awards 2025.