Cadets settle into new home as we support Ministry of Defence with UK-wide investment programme
Cadets settle into new home as we support Ministry of Defence with UK-wide investment programme
“We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering modern, high-quality facilities that provide a lasting benefit for Cadets and the communities they are part of." - Chris Turner, Managing Director
Army and Air Cadets in Hastings have moved into their new home as part of our successful partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
The new Hastings Joint Cadet Centre (JCC) in East Sussex was officially opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman, in a special ceremony.
The new centre provides modern, improved facilities where young people can meet, develop new skills and take part in a range of activities.
It forms part of a significant investment programme from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to upgrade Cadet facilities across the UK.
To date, we have delivered eight new buildings for the MoD, having been awarded the contract through the Government’s Crown Commercial Services Framework.
The new Hastings Joint Cadet Centre (JCC) in East Sussex was officially opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman. Credit: Kevin Poolman Photography.
Our Managing Director, Chris Turner, said: “The opening of the new Hastings Joint Cadet Centre is another important milestone in our work with the Ministry of Defence and Army Cadets.
“We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering modern, high-quality facilities that provide a lasting benefit for Cadets and the communities they are part of. It’s been fantastic to work with the MoD on this programme and to see these buildings taking shape and being handed over across the country.
“Hastings is another great example of how modular construction can deliver sustainable, quality facilities efficiently, providing a building that will support the local community for many years to come.”
The relocation of the JCC from its former site at the Army Reserve Centre in Hastings to a new, purpose-built facility marks a significant investment in the future of local cadet provision.
It will help strengthen collaboration between cadet organisations, enhance the cadet experience and provide a sustainable base for developing young people’s skills, confidence and leadership for years to come.
The new centre provides modern, improved facilities where young people can meet, develop new skills and take part in a range of activities. Credit: Kevin Poolman Photography.
The new facility will be occupied by 3 (Hastings) Detachment Sussex Army Cadet Force and 304 (Hastings) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC).
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Rod Gray MBE, Deputy Chief Executive (East) and Head of Cadets and Youth at South East Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association, said: “This Joint Cadet Centre will give cadets the opportunity to develop important life skills through Cadet Force training, while building comradeship, teamwork and self-discipline.
“These experiences help young people develop into confident and valuable members of society, whatever career they choose to follow.
“I hope this new Joint Cadet Centre will encourage the youth of Hastings and St Leonards to embrace the opportunity and experience the cadet experience – it can be life changing.”
It forms part of a significant investment programme from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to upgrade Cadet facilities across the UK. Credit: Kevin Poolman Photography.
As well as the facility in Hastings, the buildings we have completed for the MoD are located in Mirfield, West Yorkshire; Southend-on-Sea, Essex; Fakenham, Norfolk; Skegness, Lincolnshire; Blackburn, Lancashire; Monkseaton, Tyne and Wear; and Alness, Scottish Highlands.
A further two cadet centres are nearing practical completion. Having been appointed through the Crown Commercial Services Framework, we developed two building designs for the MoD – one being a traditional linear configuration, with the second an L-- shaped building.
All of the buildings delivered under the contract meet the MoD’s DREAM (Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology) environmental performance standard, helping create a sustainable built environment.
The Hastings centre includes high levels of insulation, energy efficient electric heating systems, solar PV with battery storage and rainwater harvesting systems. These sustainable features contribute to the facility achieving an EPC rating of A+.
