Construction completes on £12m new home for musicians at the Royal Military Academy
A £12 million facility supporting army musicians at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) has completed, delivering a flagship environment for military performances.
The new purpose-built space can house all 54 musicians serving under British Army Band Sandhurst in an acoustically optimised space for rehearsals and performances.
New and refurbished buildings feature an instrument store, music library and rehearsal rooms, as well as offices, storage, changing rooms, and a crew room that will support performances such as passing out parades and Sovereign’s parades.
Pick Everard was behind the scheme, operating through Perfect Circle to deliver project management and NEC supervisor services alongside contractor Willmott Dixon and HLM Architects. Accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, the completed work achieved Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) ‘Very Good’ and ‘Excellent’ ratings, contributing sustainably to the built environment.
The project was funded by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme, which is investing £3.35bn over ten years to improve living, working, and training accommodations for those who serve in the Army.
To enhance the sustainability of the site, air source heat pumps and solar panels have been included, as well as prefabricated containment kits and programmable lighting systems to reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
Social value was also integral to the project, with the team providing free decoration services to community centres nearby, as well as hosting coffee mornings with veterans to discuss and raise awareness about mental health.
Several apprentices also worked on the project, with work experience given to local school leavers.
“What a brilliant project. This one-of-a-kind amazing facility that will support the Musicians at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst for decades to come and it has been a privilege for Perfect Circle to be part of the team delivering it.
“We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding projects with our partners, and this is an excellent example where the team has achieved that and more.”
Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle
Pick Everard director Matt Carter added: “This has been a complex undertaking, which involved close collaboration with our project partners to navigate several onsite challenges, including ecology operations to ensure our work would not interfere with natural habitats present onsite. Our teams were committed to delivering a facility of the highest standard, with green credentials, which is reflected in our DREAM ratings.
“British Army Band Sandhurst musicians now have a modern and acoustically optimised environment, that is befitting of their reputation for excellence on the UK Defence stage.”
The Ensemble Band will move into the building over the summer. An official opening event for the new Band facility is planned for autumn 2024.
