FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PRESS RELEASE

28 April 2021

Handover of Hillside Camp to the Falkland Islands Government

This week, ExCo approved the official handover of Hillside Camp to the Falkland Islands Government (FIG). Hillside was initially constructed to support the rebuilding of Stanley after 1982 and at that time was used by both the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and FIG. Over time the site footprint reduced and, in later years, Hillside was used chiefly to support the MoD’s EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) capability in Stanley.

The handover is in exchange for the construction of two four-bed houses at Mount Pleasant Complex, as well as the provision of office space for MoD personnel at Hillside. A six month lease will also be negotiated with the Royal British Legion in order to enable them to use the existing facilities in the short term.

This agreement further underlines the approach to collaboration and partnership working that exists between the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) and the Falkland Islands Government.

Barry Rowland, FIG Chief Executive, said: “Hillside offers great potential for the government and we will now take the necessary time to consider the best use of the site in both the medium and longer term. In the short term, the facility will be managed and maintained by the FIG Public Works Directorate. Further plans will be developed and submitted to ExCo before any significant works are undertaken.”

Commodore Jonathan Lett, Commander British Forces South Atlantic, said: “With the Falklands declared mine free, the requirement for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) support has been reduced significantly. When considered with the continuous improvement to the road between the two main centres of population, Stanley and MPC, EOD are now able to deploy direct from MPC should the service be required. This is a good thing and the local population should be reassured that they will still regularly see a military presence in Stanley.”

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