The 600-plus buildings we assure range from Sheffield’s vast Grade 2-listed Endcliffe Hall to small, purpose-built units such as Stokesley Cadet Centre, opened in 2019.
Many of our sites have considerable local and historic value and occupy prominent positions within communities. Both Keighley and Huddersfield Drill Halls being prime examples of historic old buildings that are owned by charitable trusts who allow the RFCA and MOD to utilise them and thus continue the long military tradition associated with these towns. Others such as Harrogate Drill Hall are owned by the RFCA but made use of by the MOD to deliver the reserve and cadet experience. Additionally we have large complexes such as Carlton Barracks in Leeds and Manor Top Barracks in Sheffield.
We place great priority on our role as custodians of these important buildings and employ highly-qualified surveyors to oversee their upkeep and development.
Repairs and maintenance
Every year, we undertake large-scale infrastructure projects to ensure our buildings remain great places to work and train. For example, in 2023/2024 we carried out significant restoration work at B Squadron in Carlton Barracks, as well as undertaking a major project converting a cellar into lockers/changing rooms at 269 (West Riding) Battery in Leeds.
Our staff conduct a comprehensive inspection of every site we manage each winter to identify what repairs are likely to be needed in the months ahead. This helps us to schedule our work efficiently.
In addition, our industry partner, VIVO Defence Services, receives around 2,000 requests for repairs each year and are aiming to achieve 100 per cent satisfaction rates from units for the work they do in response.
Our estate has more than 5,000 items that need regularly servicing, such as alarms systems and fire extinguishers. These are all managed by VIVO and the system flags up when the next services are due – something that helps them schedule the work efficiently.
