The new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block provides 53 ensuite single bedspaces for senior ranks, with utilities, drying rooms, a kitchen and furnished communal space. A second block providing 66 bedspaces for junior ranks is due to be completed in March 2025.
The c.£13 million project was funded under the army’s SLA Programme and delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), contracting to off-site construction specialists Reds10.
The modular, sustainable SLA includes solar energy harvesting, air source heat pumps and a SMART building management system, which learns how the building is used through sensor data to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.
At the formal opening of the senior ranks block on 23 January, Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, said:
Modern methods of construction are enabling us to build more quickly, provide a better standard of accommodation for our people and improve the sustainability of our estate. This new energy-efficient building has been designed using feedback from soldiers to ensure it meets their needs, and demonstrates the impressive standard of accommodation being delivered under our long-term investment programme.
Warren Webster, DIO MPP Army Programme Director said:
This a significant milestone in our work to provide quality, sustainable infrastructure for the army. The senior ranks will benefit from this new accommodation, which will shortly be followed by a second block for junior ranks. Both are designed to be as sustainable and energy efficient as possible, learning from previous projects to improve their environmental credentials and the lived experience while also being better value for money than using traditional construction methods.
The new senior ranks’ SLA building has been named ‘Phillips Block’ after Warrant Officer Class One (WO1), Academy Sergeant Major Horace Cyril Phillips, MVO, MBE, Welsh Guards. WO1 Phillips was the first Welsh Guardsman to hold the prestigious post of Academy Sergeant Major at RMAS. Members of Mr Phillips’ family attended the formal opening of the building and unveiled a plaque in his honour.
WO1 Daniel Cope, Academy Sergeant Major, RMAS Group, who is also a Welsh Guardsman, said:
It is fantastic to see the result of significant investment in new accommodation to benefit personnel here at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The building has been delivered to an impressive standard and the sustainable features will contribute to local efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. This was also a fitting opportunity to commemorate my predecessor and fellow Welsh Guardsman, former Academy Sergeant Major Horace Phillips, for his service to RMAS.
Phil Cook, Defence Director, Reds10, said:
We are delighted to hand over this new accommodation to the Army, showcasing the benefits of modern, sustainable construction methods. Our team has worked closely with DIO and army stakeholders to ensure this project not only meets the highest standards but also supports the wellbeing of personnel.
The integration of energy-efficient technologies and SMART building systems reflects our commitment to delivering long-term value for the armed forces and reducing the environmental impact. It’s an honour to contribute to the transformation of the lived experience at RMAS.
Overall, the Army SLA Programme is investing £1.4 billion over 10 years to enhance living conditions for service personnel. More than 1,000 new bedspaces are currently in construction across the estate, with 6 blocks due to be completed in 2025.
