LOCATION:
A £3.56m design and build project delivered for Landmarc Support Services, providing a highly specialised indoor training facility designed to simulate urban warfare environments. The project supports advanced military training requirements through the integration of cutting-edge simulation technology and robust building design.
Key features of the development included:
- Construction of a two-storey specialist training facility.
- Delivery of internal accommodation including:
- Briefing and de-briefing rooms
- Preparation and close-down spaces
- Server room and technical infrastructure
- Welfare facilities for approximately 40 users
- Installation and integration of the Rhino training rig, working alongside specialist contractor 4GD.
- Full delivery of associated substructure, superstructure and M&E systems.
- Coordination of complex digital and simulation infrastructure requirements.
- Installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, contributing to renewable energy generation.
- Use of air source heat pumps and energy-efficient systems, reducing operational carbon.
- Intelligent building controls including:
- Occupancy sensors for lighting and HVAC
- Building Management System
- Strong waste performance:
- 51.7% reused off-site
- 30.9% reused on-site
- Only 1.9% to landfill
- Protection and enhancement of local ecology through:
- Habitat protection measures
- Seeding with Salisbury Plain meadow mix
- Delivery of long-term environmental and operational efficiencies within a sensitive location.
The project involved a number of environmental, technical and logistical challenges:
- Construction within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), requiring strict environmental controls.
- Managing unexpected asbestos contamination discovered during groundworks.
- Coordinating with a specialist equipment contractor (4GD) delivering complex training systems.
- Delivering works within a live military environment, requiring careful planning and stakeholder coordination.
- Ensuring safe operations for lifting and working at height within a two-storey structure.
A collaborative, flexible and safety-led approach ensured successful delivery:
- Close coordination with 4GD to align building works with specialist equipment installation.
- Development of a Green Plan to mitigate environmental impact within the SSSI location.
- Implementation of a safe asbestos removal strategy, including specialist contractor engagement and air monitoring.
- Adoption of safe working practices, including:
- Use of MEWPs, podiums and mobile towers instead of ladders
- Segregated lifting operations with specialist contractors
- Flexible programme management, including re-sequencing works and providing temporary power to maintain progress.
The project delivered:
- A high-quality urban warfare training facility supporting modern military training needs.
- Seamless integration of specialist simulation systems within the building.
- Successful delivery on time and on budget.
- A facility designed to support future training adaptability and operational excellence.
- Achievement of Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) ‘Excellent’ (72 credits), demonstrating strong sustainability performance.
