Beckingham Cadet Training Centre, in Lincolnshire, has won further praise for its sustainability-led approach.
The site, next to Beckingham Camp between Newark and Sleaford, won the ‘Sustainability Award’ at the East Midlands Property Dinner on 17th September. Judges praised its innovative design and low-carbon construction.
Beckingham Cadet Training Centre was developed by East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in response to a Ministry of Defence requirement for safer, more capable and more sustainable accommodation for Cadet Forces.
Construction of the build, which includes three dormitory blocks and a main hub with dining, teaching, kitchen, office and storage facilities, began in April 2024, was completed in October 2025, and became operational in February 2026.
The project supports Defence’s ambition to expand the Cadet Forces by 30% by 2035.
An innovative strategy
Sustainability shaped every stage of development from the outset.
Key features include a low-carbon foundation system using recycled tyres; a prefabricated timber structure that reduced embodied carbon by minimising waste and building time; a gabion wall to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling; and internal plywood finishes rather than plasterboard.
In awarding Beckingham the top sustainability prize, the East Midlands Property Dinner judges said: “This is a thoughtful response to a sensitive rural and historic site, which puts innovative design and low-carbon construction at the forefront.
“This is an inventive sustainability strategy that’s embedded in the architecture, structure and landscape.”
Ben Webster, Head of Estate at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “I am very proud that Beckingham Cadet Training Centre has achieved another accolade for its sustainability-led approach.
“Beckingham sets a clear benchmark for the Defence estate: sustainability and capability are not competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing outcomes essential to long-term success.
“The project’s success is a testament to great partnership working between the key build partners, including Maber Architects and Triton Construction.
“It is further evidence of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s ability to successfully manage major estates projects on behalf of Defence.”
Beckingham was named ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ in the 2024 Graphisoft UK Awards, and it is on track to achieve ‘Excellent’ in the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method.
Watch: Beckingham Cadet Training Centre walkthrough tour
