News

The new Yardley Chase Cadet Training Centre, in Northamptonshire, will replace dilapidated former Second World War facilities that have previously been used by local Army cadets for many years.

East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) is working with principle contractors G F Tomlinson Building Limited of Derby and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to deliver new facilities that can be used by up to 185 cadets and 45 adults at one time.

Using low-cost economical materials where possible, the new buildings at the site, in Denton Road, Horton, will house a range of facilities, including lecture rooms, office spaces, dining facilities, an indoor training area and indoor shooting range.

Group Captain Nick Sharpe, Chief Executive of the East Midlands RFCA, said: “East Midlands RFCA is delighted that this project is finally getting started. There have been a number of setbacks over the last 10 years that have delayed the reprovision of these critical training facilities for the region’s youth. However, I am confident that the new structure will be enjoyed by a range of young people for years to come.”

On completion, the former buildings will be demolished and the area landscaped.

The centre should open to cadets across the area from August 2014, and although primarily for the Army Cadet Force (ACF), the facilities will be bookable by other cadet organisations, reserve and regular forces, local businesses and community based-projects.

Brigadier Harry Nickerson, Commander of 49 (East) Brigade, who has responsibility for Army Cadets within the East Midlands, will represent the Army at the event, and will be joined by local Cadets from Leicestershire Northamptonshire and Rutland’s (LNR) ACF and their Commandant Colonel Nick Turner, as well as local councillors and representatives from East Midlands RFCA, who are leading on the project management.

Nick Banks, Construction Director at G F Tomlinson Building Limited said: “G F Tomlinson are delighted to be entrusted with construction of this modern training facility for the East Midlands RFCA. As an East Midlands regional contractor it is our honour to help in the support of training local young people through the provision of this state of the art scheme.”