Work has begun on a major new Joint Cadet Centre at Clare Street Army Reserve Centre, Northampton.
The new build will bring together seven Army Cadet and RAF Air Cadet Detachments under one roof, meaning that hundreds of Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers will benefit from modernised training facilities throughout the week, every week.
Due to the building’s size and the number of Detachments it will accommodate, the multi-million-pound facility has been described as a ‘Super Centre’ – the first of its kind in the East Midlands.
The Government’s ambition to grow the Cadet Forces by 30% ahead of 2030, as set out in the Strategic Defence Review, has been a driving factor in getting this transformative project off the ground.
Unprecedented
Stuart Williams OBE, Chief Executive of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA), which is overseeing the project, said: “Bringing together seven Detachments under the roof of one ‘Super Centre’ is unprecedented in our region.
“This project is a major investment. It will deliver modern and fit-for-purpose facilities and help to transform the Cadet experience for children and young people in and around Northampton.”
Colonel Alex Calver, Commandant of the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland (LNR) Army Cadet Force (ACF), added: “The new Cadet Super Centre at Clare Street will be a flagship facility for the East Midlands and a hive of inspiration for Cadet Forces.
“I feel privileged that this investment is being delivered within our county. It will provide modern, fit-for-purpose spaces that help our volunteers deliver outstanding training, strengthen our presence in the community, and give our Cadets a fuller, more ambitious Cadet experience.
“I am genuinely excited to see it come to life and open in 2026.”
Wing Commander Carl Wilson, Officer Commanding of South and East Midlands Wing RAF Air Cadets, said: “This new Joint Cadet Centre is a powerful investment in the young people of Northampton.
“Bringing the RAF Air Cadets and Army Cadet Force together strengthens our partnership and opens the door to new opportunities, shared training and a richer Cadet experience.
“For 5F Squadron, this modern facility will be transformative – a fresh, purpose-built home that inspires ambition and supports Cadets to achieve their very best.”
The Super Centre
Portakabin has been appointed to deliver the new facility at the rear of the Clare Street site, replacing three smaller buildings currently located there.
When it is completed in 2026, the U-shaped modular build will feature two drill halls, storage and office space and a covered outdoor training space. The possibility of using this outdoor area for air rifle shooting is being explored.
The Cadet units will also be able to use some of the Army Reserve Centre’s facilities on site.
Solar panels and other sustainability improvements will help to reduce the centre’s energy consumption.
Andrew Simpkin, Head of Operations for GB Sales at Portakabin, said: “We’re proud to be delivering this flagship ‘Super Centre’ in Northampton, bringing together multiple Cadet units in a high-quality, modern environment designed to support training, collaboration and growth.
“This project demonstrates how modern modular construction can create flexible facilities at pace, while minimising disruption on site. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this centre will have on Cadets, Volunteers and the wider community for many years to come.”
Funding for the project comes from East Midlands RFCA’s own regionally-generated income, the RAF Air Cadets, and the British Army.
The Cadet units set to benefit from the new Super Centre are:
- 5F (Northampton) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets – already based on site.
- A Company Corps of Drums, LNR ACF – already based on site.
- A Company Ranger Platoon, LNR ACF – already based on site.
- Anzio Detachment, LNR ACF – currently based at Northampton Academy/Gibraltar Barracks.
- Gibraltar Detachment, LNR ACF – currently based at Gibraltar Barracks.
- Quebec Detachment, LNR ACF – currently based at Gibraltar Barracks.
- Salamanca Detachment, LNR ACF – currently based at Gibraltar Barracks.
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