Premier Construction Scotland

Cadets ready for brand new centre

Aviemore Cadet
Written by Roma Publications

Aviemore Cadet

Designed to provide training accommodation for army, navy and airforce cadets aged 13 to 18 years, a new Cadet Training Centre is under construction at Dalfaber Drive, Aveimore, providing a purpose-built facility replacing previous rented premises.

The project is being carried out for the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (HRFCA), whose duties include providing and looking after training accommodation for the Army Reserves, Royal Navy Reserves, Royal Air Force Reserves, Army Cadet Forces and the Air Training Corps.

Main contractors are 7even Construction; project managers are Arch Lodge Construction Project Management Ltd and Structural Engineers are AF Cruden Associates.

With a total area of just under 300m, the new two storey building, which is being constructed on an empty site, will incorporate an approximately 60 square metre training hall, three lecture rooms, offices for the instructors and equipment storage rooms. The training accommodation is located on the ground floor, with two offices above.

The building is structured around a timber frame with external elevations in a combination of render and architectural timber cladding, double glazed wooden and aluminium framed windows, and a pitched tiled roof.

External works include the creation of a car park, the construction of a cycle shelter and landscaping.

The project is due for completion in February 2015.

Randall Christie Estates Manager of the HRFCA told Premier Construction:

“HRFCA are thankful for the assistance of both the Caingorm National Park Authority – who are the planning authority for this project – and the Highland Council from whom we leased the ground for the development. Currently construction is progressing well on site and the local community is very pleased with the development – as are we.”

Main contractors 7even Construction Ltd specialise in all aspects of new builds and renovations. Harry McKay from 7even commented:

“It is important for 7even Construction Ltd to be involved with this project as it is a community scheme tailored for the young generation in Badenoch and Strathspey. The centre will provide long term benefits to our community by assisting youngsters to take part in a broad range of challenging, education and adventurous activities which will have a lasting impact on their lives.”

The HRFCA is an independent, community-based organisation with the responsibility of advising and assisting the Defence Council on issues concerning the 3,000 reservists and more than 8,500 cadets in the region.

With its headquarters in Dundee, the HRFCA helps to promote and support the Reserve Forces and Cadets across the region, and by harnessing the extensive knowledge and experience of its membership, works to build relationships and increase understanding between military and civilian communities.

The HRFCA has a wide remit and day-to-day responsibilities can range from providing support to reservists’ employers, managing and maintaining their reserve and cadet sites in the region, recruiting adult cadet instructors and liaising with a wide range of local communities, MPs and councils.

The HRFCA’s Estates and Facilities Management team work closely with approved contractors and consultants to provide a professional service to the estate.

Specific responsibilities include maintenance, redecoration and repair of existing buildings; inspection and testing of electrical equipment and water systems; monitoring the consumption of energy use and advising on best practice; and commissioning new builds and design work.

The UK cadet movement is broken down into the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) – including the Royal Marines Cadets (RMC) –  Army Cadet Force (ACF), Air Training Corps (ATC) and the school-based Combined Cadet Force (CCF).  In the Highlands the cadets are supported by approximately 2,000 adult volunteers across up to 180 detachments.

The aim of the UK cadet forces are to contribute to the development and preparation of young people for transition to adulthood, empowering them to meet the challenges of a changing society through dynamic, military-themed and community-based activities. The cadet forces also aid the personal and social development of young people by instilling in them the attributes of good citizenship, leadership and responsibility, as well as by promoting physical and mental fitness and self-reliance.

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Roma Publications