Defence Online

DPRTE Engage partner DIO completes state-of-the-art gym for Royal Navy

Land August 24, 2020

Official DPRTE Engage partner, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), has completed work on the new state-of-the-art physical training centre for Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC).

The building was officially handed over to the Royal Navy this week. All parties have collaboratively worked to maintain momentum on the project and deliver this essential training facility for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The project adapted working practices to ensure health and safety of all staff following new government and construction industry guidelines related to COVID-19.

The £9-million facility is scaled for the occupants of the college of 800 people, including cadets and BRNC staff, and will support the college to deliver 21st century physical training to modern Navy standards.

A multi-purpose main hall and three versatile activity spaces will allow cadets to undertake essential military fitness training and a wide range of other sports.

DIO worked closely with Navy and DIO’s Consultants Mott MacDonald to develop the design into a fit for purpose facility in line with the agreed requirements while taking into consideration the College Navy Physical Training Instructor (PTI) staffing levels, the site constraints and through life building and maintenance costs.

The agreed location and design also required DIO and its consultants to undertake extensive consultation with numerous stakeholders including the Local Planning Authority, Historic England and Natural England over a number of years.

Of particular importance was ensuring that the building did not impact any of the local indigenous wildlife while still meeting all Royal Navy training requirements.

Close attention was paid to material choices to seamlessly blend the structure into its agreed location while maintaining consideration for both the historic significance of BRNC and the wider community in Dartmouth.

The design also considered emissions and BRNC’s carbon footprint whilst improving the building’s resilience to future climate change. This included incorporation of both solar thermal heating to reduce gas demand on the hot water supply and photovoltaic panels to reduce use of electricity. Wind catchers on the roof will help to naturally ventilate the main sports hall which is a greener alternative to air conditioning.

Simon Jones, DIO Senior Project Manager, said: “DIO has been proud to deliver this important facility for the Royal Navy. We used our expertise throughout DIO along with our partners Kier and Mott Macdonald to overcome several pre- and post-construction challenges to see it completed is incredibly rewarding.

“I am very proud how all parties pulled together to complete their respective tasks for this Defence project especially in these unprecedented times.”

This modern and fit for purpose gym will ensure that cadets, staff and others will be able to access the training facilities they need for many years to come.

Doug Lloyd, Operations Director at Kier Regional Building in Western and Wales, commented: “The completion of the new physical training centre at Britannia Royal Naval College builds on our successful delivery of infrastructure for the DIO on projects across the UK. We are delighted to have completed and handed over this first-class facility.

“Our highly skilled teams have worked compassionately within the Royal Navy’s grounds and the building has a number of features to help offset the MOD’s carbon emissions. Throughout the duration of this project, we have also worked with our local supply chain and provided job and training opportunities as we look to leave lasting legacies in areas in which we build.”

image © Crown Copyright

DIO are official DPRTE Engage Online event partners. This year’s event is set to feature for the first time, an Infrastructure and Estates Pavilion, which will allow both buyers and suppliers to connect with key Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) personnel and gain an insight into the new strategy, including the latest initiatives, developments and opportunities within defence infrastructure.

For those companies looking to engage with the infrastructure marketplace, the DIO-supported Infrastructure and Estates Pavilion will allow both buyers and suppliers to connect with key DIO personnel and gain an insight into the latest initiatives, developments and opportunities within defence infrastructure.

The Pavilion will also include a Knowledge Transfer Zone, which will see a range of topical educational and interactive sessions designed specifically to enhance attendees’ knowledge and ability to contribute to the future direction and delivery of the ongoing defence infrastructure and estates procurement programme.

The speakers include a number of leading experts from DIO and the wider defence infrastructure marketplace.

Don’t miss out on the chance to visit DIO’s the Infrastructure & Estates Pavilion and hear from leading experts in infrastructure on how to do business with DIO. 

Delegate registration is now open

In addition, a final few virtual exhibition product showcase opportunities are still available. For further details, please email exhibitions@dprte.co.uk or call 0845 270 7066.

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.

Britannia Royal Naval College BRNC DIO DPRTE DPRTE Engage Ministry of Defence Royal Navy

Post written by: Matt Brown