Kingsway Army Reserve Centre Grand Opening

Acres continues its support to the Armed Forces as a Covenant Gold Awardee with representatives from Acres attended the Grand Opening of the Kingsway Army Reserve Centre. The centre has recently completed a major rebuild and refurbishment.

During the day a Reservist Unit carried out a skills demonstration. The ribbon was cut by the Elizabeth Fothergill, the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, serving as His Majesty The King’s representative in the county​.

The 148 Divisional Support Company, part of the 103 Force Support Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), has recently taken possession of several new facilities. These include a modern three-bay vehicle workshop, a cutting-edge gymnasium with changing rooms, and a newly established trade training area.

Located in Kingsway, the project, worth £4.5 million, was financed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Initiated in May 2022, it involved the demolition of two old buildings to pave the way for this advanced structure.

Equipped with the necessary hardware for the unit’s mission to provide repair and recovery services across the British Army’s warfighting division, the new building includes features such as a pneumatic lift, compressors, and brake testers specifically for large military trucks.

Additionally, the new facilities enhance the existing infrastructure at the centre, including an armoury, mess hall, drill hall, and offices and storage spaces, all of which are also utilised by the Kingsway Detachment of the Derbyshire Army Cadet Force.

Environmental sustainability was prioritised throughout the project, with measures including the use of recycled aggregate, installation of air source heat pumps, heat recovery systems, low-pressure taps, EV car charging points, and bird and bat boxes, aimed at reducing energy and operational costs.

The project received an ‘excellent’ rating in the DIO’s Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development.

Martin Capewell, Head of Estates at East Midlands RFCA, expressed pride in the completion of Kingsway’s extensive refurbishment, acknowledging the efforts of A&S Enterprises, Allan Joyce Architects, and the Estates Team. He noted that these modernised facilities represent a significant improvement over the previous setup, aiding in the recruitment and retention of more Reservists.

Kingsway Reserve Centre, serving as an Army Reserve site since the 1930s, is part of the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Future Soldier’ program. This initiative aims to enhance the Army’s agility, integration, and expeditionary capabilities, with REME’s move into Kingsway bolstering its presence in the East Midlands.

Acres Engineering has received a prestigious Gold Award in recognition of its outstanding support for the Armed Forces.

For those seeking a partnership with a fabrication/engineering firm that upholds strong values and backs the individuals dedicated to our safety and security, Acres Engineering stands out as the ideal choice.

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