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Royal opening for new Sandhurst facility for Army musicians

27 Jan 2025

The new Band facility for the Royal Corps of Army Music at Sandhurst has been formally opened by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO.

The c£12 million facility, named The Duchess of Edinburgh Hall houses The Band of the Coldstream Guards and the Army Engagement Ensemble in an acoustically optimised space for rehearsals and performances.

The new and refurbished buildings feature an instrument store, music library and rehearsal rooms, as well as offices, storage, changing rooms, and a crew room that will support Army musicians to prepare for performances such as passing out parades and Sovereign’s parades.

The project was facilitated by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and funded under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme. Pick Everard was behind the scheme, operating through Perfect Circle to deliver project management and NEC supervisor services alongside contractor Willmott Dixon and HLM Architects. Accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, the completed work achieved Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) ‘Very Good’ and ‘Excellent’ ratings, contributing sustainably to the built environment.

“The Duchess of Edinburgh Hall has been crafted to meet the unique and specific requirements ofthe Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM), reflecting their heritage and commitment to excellence. This purpose-built facility combines modern design with sustainability, advanced acoustics and functionality, ensuring it not only meets their current needs but is also future-ready to support evolving demands.

“Seeing our vision come to life in such a significant project is immensely rewarding, as we know this state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance RCAM’s ability to rehearse and perform at the highest level but will also preserve their legacy for generations to come. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, providing a home that embodies the prestige and professionalism of Army musicians."

— Matt Carter, director at Pick Everard
Crown Copyright

To enhance the sustainability of the site, air source heat pumps and solar panels have been included, as well as prefabricated containment kits and programmable lighting systems to reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure said:

“The new band facility at Sandhurst will enable Army musicians to carry out their supporting state and ceremonial duties and national and international engagement for Defence, both today and into the future. It is a fantastic example of the significant investment we are making to deliver benefits for our people, support military training and capability, and build a more sustainable estate.”

Sherin Aminossehe, MOD Director of Infrastructure and the Senior Responsible Owner for the DEO Portfolio said:

“DEO is committed to delivering the highest quality buildings that improve the lived experience of our military personnel. This is evidenced in these impressive new facilities being opened today which not only provide bespoke and very modern spaces for these prestigious bands to train in but do so in a way that carefully integrates itself within the existing infrastructure to preserve the important history of the site.”

Social value was also integral to the project, with the team providing free decoration services to community centres nearby, as well as hosting coffee mornings with veterans to discuss and raise awareness about mental health.

Several apprentices also worked on the project, with work experience given to local school leavers.

“The project was facilitated by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and funded under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme.”

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