ATC Pirbright delivers the Army’s Phase 1 Training, a 14-week
course that prepares adult recruits for their Initial Trade
Training, where they learn the specific skills for their chosen
Army trade. The new Alexander Barracks Soldiers Centre (ABSC),
which is due for completion in 2024, will provide centralised
welfare support to these soldiers, establishing a single bespoke
hub that replaces the current welfare facilities spread across
the site.
The ABSC is being delivered by the Defence Infrastructure
Organisation (DIO) on behalf of the British Army and is jointly
funded by the British Army and the Army Central Fund (ACF) – the
British Army’s own grant-making charity. A ground-breaking
ceremony took place at Pirbright on Thursday 16 March, attended
by representatives of the Army, the ACF, DIO, contractor Henry
Brothers and the Technical Service Provider, WSP.
Brigadier Richard Brown, Head of Infrastructure Plans (Army),
said:
The Alexander Barracks Soldiers Centre will make a significant
and positive contribution to the experience of recruits embarking
on their Army career at ATC Pirbright. Infrastructure is about
people – not buildings – and this project is one of many examples
of the increasing investment across the Army estate that is
improving how our soldiers live, work and train.
Speaking on behalf of the Army Central Fund (ACF) charity, Major
General Aidan Smyth, Deputy Commander Field Army, said:
I am delighted to see work get underway on the Alexander Barracks
Soldiers Centre. The Army Central Fund awards grants to projects
that contribute to the well-being of serving soldiers and their
families. We are extremely proud to play our part in delivery of
this new facility, which will support and maintain morale for
recruits at ATC Pirbright.
Designed by WSP, the ABSC will measure approximately 2000m
2 over two storeys and will provide retail and food
outlets, as well as a gathering space for families attending
passing out parades. The building aims to meet Net Zero criteria
and an ‘Excellent’ rating under the Defence Related Environmental
Assessment Methodology (DREAM). Modern methods of construction
will be used for the Glulam structural frame, while installation
of Photovoltaic (PV) panels will deliver on-site renewable energy
generation.
Warren Webster, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, MPP
Programme Director – Army, said:
DIO is proud to be involved in the delivery of this impressive
welfare facility, which from a major projects perspective is the
start of a substantial site redevelopment that is taking place at
Pirbright. Not only will it be built using sustainable
construction methods that contribute to the Government’s
commitment to Net Zero, it will enhance the lives of the recruits
who use it.
David Henry, Managing Director of Henry Brothers, said:
We are very pleased to be constructing the new Soldiers Centre at
Alexander Barracks, Pirbright, which will provide a modern social
and well-being space for recruits, with everything they need
provided under one roof.
Henry Brothers has extensive experience working in the defence
sector and are proud to be associated with this prestige project.
We are thrilled to play such an important role at this site in
Pirbright, continuing our close relationship with the Defence
Infrastructure Organisation and benefitting soldiers who train
here for years to come.
Alexander Barracks Project is a jointly funded Defence Estate
Optimisation (Army) Programme, Army Estate Modernisation
Programme and Basic Training Adaptation Programme Army
infrastructure Project, to support the Army’s future Soldier
Academy. This is a vital component to the Army’s delivery of the
Integrated Review. It is key to enabling wider Basic Training
Adaptation and delivering a world class Centre of Excellence for
all Regular Army non-combat Basic training on a single site in
Alexander Barracks Pirbright.
