A British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has officially moved into its new home at Gamecock Barracks in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
The Nuneaton EOD Troop (formerly based at Chetwynd Barracks in Nottingham and known as the Nottingham EOD Troop) is part of 721 EOD Squadron, Royal Logistic Corps.
The Squadron forms part of 11 EOD and Search Regiment, the Army’s specialist unit responsible for the safe handling and disposal of explosives across the UK.
The troop’s relocation in July is part of the wider Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, a £5.1 billion initiative aimed at modernising the Defence estate. The programme also supports the release of public sector land for housing and other uses, with proceeds reinvested into Defence infrastructure.
Their new compound at Gamecock Barracks includes a modern office building, garage, secure store, and training area. The facility was delivered under the DEO Army Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), with VIVO Defence Services as main contractor, Tetra Tech as designer, and Henry Brothers overseeing construction.
Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Army Basing and Infrastructure, said:
“The investment in Gamecock Barracks demonstrates how we are working to improve our infrastructure to meet the needs of the modern Army – and to enable our people to perform at their best.
The truly impressive new facilities that have been delivered for Nuneaton EOD Troop are an example of critical infrastructure that directly strengthens our operational capabilities.”
Warren Webster, DIO’s Head of Major Programmes and Projects for the Army, praised the collaborative effort behind the development:
“These impressive new facilities were crucial to allow 11 EOD and Search Regiment to operate from their new home, Gamecock Barracks. We’ve worked hard with our design contractors Tetra Tech and build contractors Henry Brothers, sub-contracted by VIVO, to make sure it caters for everything the Regiment’s soldiers and officers need to prepare for and undertake their vital role.”
The Regiment is responsible not only for storing and maintaining land service ammunition and explosives, but also for providing technical support and ensuring UK-wide protection from explosive, chemical, biological, and radiological threats.
Capt Robert Soutar, second in command at 721 EOD Squadron, highlighted the importance of their work:
“We are the most highly decorated peace time Regiment in the British Army: providing the highest level of EOD, Search and Electronic Warfare support to Defence and the Home Office.
We are unique within the Army in that we deliver our capability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. This team is one of 15 national teams that keep us safe from bombs and explosive risks.”
Paul Bond, Operations Director at VIVO Defence Services, said the project was designed with the troop’s mission in mind:
“As one of the UK’s largest providers of estate services to the MOD, we’re proud to serve the UK military and help enable its defence capability.
I’m pleased we’ve provided such an excellent, innovative and secure facility, specifically designed and built with the EOD Troop relocating to it in mind so it aids them in the important work they do.”
Henry Brothers Construction Managing Director Ian Taylor added:
“We are very proud to have been involved in delivering a new home for the EOD Troop as the troop moves from Chilwell in Nottingham to Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton.
This development, which is part of the MOD’s investment into the Armed Forces, will give them modern, purpose-built, secure facilities as they start a new chapter in the history of the Troop.”
The move marks a significant milestone for the unit as it continues its mission to safeguard the public and military from explosive threats—now from a new, purpose-built base designed to support their vital role.
Image: Photographer: LPhot Bill Spurr – UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025
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