Work on a new state-of-the-art Physical Training centre and gymnasium for Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) has formally start with a turf cutting ceremony.
Captain Jol Woodard, the Commanding Officer of BRNC, was invited to cut the first patch of soil alongside guests from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), who are delivering the project on behalf of the Royal Navy. Also, in attendance were representatives from Kier Regional Building – Western and Wales, the company awarded the main contract to build the facility, Mott MacDonald, DIO’s technical service provider and Councillor Fred Pritchard, the Deputy Mayor of Dartmouth.
Site surveys have been completed to allow the main works to begin on the centre which will be equipped for up to 800 people, including Cadets and BRNC staff.
Capt Woodard said: “The new gym is an essential addition to the facilities here at BRNC that will allow us to deliver 21st century physical training to the standards required by the modern Navy for everyone at the College. It will include a multi-purpose main hall where our Cadets will undergo the bulk of their military fitness training and be kitted out for a wide range of sports. Fitness and competitive sport remain a vital part of military life.”
The approximately £9 million project represents a major investment in BRNC
Simon Jones, DIO Project Manager, said: “DIO is proud to be delivering this project for Britannia Royal Naval College. We are pleased to be able to support the Navy by providing this new building which will allow Cadets and staff to train in a bespoke fit for purpose facility.”
Doug Lloyd, Kier Regional Building, Area Manager, Devon said: “We are delighted to be working in Dartmouth delivering the new training centre and gym for Britannia Royal Naval College. The training and development of young people is important and throughout the building project we will be delivering employment and skills opportunities through work experience and apprenticeships. Cutting the first turf is a significant moment and we look forward to working with BRNC to provide the much-needed facilities for the cadets to enjoy in 2020 and long into the future”
The building will be constructed from environmentally friendly materials to minimise emissions and reduce BRNC’s carbon footprint, while also improving energy consumption and the building’s resilience to adverse climate change. It is set to be available for use in early 2020.