The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has appointed three agents, Avison Young, Savills and WSP GL Hearn, as strategic property advisors (SPA) to help deliver projects within the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio.

DEO is investing £5.1bn in more modern and sustainable infrastructure across the Defence Estate in order to meet future operational requirements. This includes delivering new and refurbished military accommodation and housing for over 40,000 soldiers, airmen, sailors and their families, as well as new and refurbished training and office space, specialist medical facilities and vehicle workshops tailored to military needs.

As SPAs, the three companies will will advise on the strategy, planning and ultimate disposal of surplus assets.

Savills has initially been allocated 12 sites, including Feltham Barracks in London and RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire. The seven year appointment will provide comprehensive development consultancy and management, valuation, masterplanning, town planning and other relevant property advice to the DEO Portfolio.

Alex McKinlay, Savills head of public sector and lead director, said: “We are delighted to have secured this long term appointment, which will utilise Savills’ entire UK Planning and Development network, drawing on our wide ranging local relationships and commercial reach. We are looking forward to working closely with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation over the coming years to deliver important work for this key MOD Portfolio.

“Savills brings additional expertise through its social value and sustainability teams and the Savills Earth division will be instrumental in delivering the best results for the DIO and local communities.”

Catherine Davies, head of estates for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, commented: “Working with industry experts helps us to ensure we are finding the right future use for sites which are surplus to military requirements, considering local needs and generating value for the taxpayer. These appointments offer a great opportunity to embrace Social Value, to create diverse teams working on MOD sites and to positively impact local communities.”