Premier Construction

Royal Military Academy

Royal Military Academy
Written by Roma Publications

Royal Military Academy – A win at The Academy

Royal Military Academy

A project designed to convert a former Royal Military Academy site in Woolwich into a new housing development continues to make great progress.

The scheme – which has been in development since 2008 – is currently on its fourth phase of construction and once complete will see the creation of 328 new dwellings. The project includes the construction of a collection of new build properties, alongside the preservation and restoration of existing Grade II* Listed buildings, to provide a good mix of luxury houses and apartments.

Durkan the developer contractor, on this project is working closely with English Heritage to ensure all restoration work on the site is handled sensitively. This includes the restoration of windows, roofs and original brickwork.

Speaking to Premier Construction about the project, Durkan Senior Project Manager, Tony Gallagher, said:

“The Royal Military Academy Woolwich was founded in 1741. Its intention was to provide an education and to train officers of the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers. A larger building was specially designed for the Royal Military Academy by English architect, James Wyatt and was built between 1796 and 1805. It closed in 1939, when the Royal Military Academy de-camped to the Royal Military College in Sandhurst.

“Durkan bought the site in 2007 from Defence Estates and renamed it The Academy. Since this time the original buildings have been converted and extended in order to create 328 luxury homes and apartments.”

Once work is complete on The Academy, the development will boast a stunning collection of properties, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses. The site will also include public areas, including a nearby cricket ground for use by Blackheath Cricket Club.

Tony has been involved with the project since June 2014, beginning with the development’s third phase. Tony and his team completed phase three in June 2015 and plan to finish phase four in June 2017 when the development concludes.

Such is the success of the project Tony has just picked up an NHBC 2016 Quality Award for his work on the development. This is Tony’s first award with NHBC, so it is a proud moment for him and his colleagues.

Tony commented:

“This award is great for me, for the team, the subcontractors and for morale on the site. It is a great award to win and is good recognition for everyone’s hard work.”

Tony added:

“In addition to the NHBC Award, I’ve also been nominated for the Construction Manager of the Year Award for the Chartered Institute of Building, so I’m very pleased.”

SBR Contracts Ltd

SBR Contracts Ltd is a general builder undertaking a diverse array of projects, from single package trades right through to design and build contracts. The company delivers schemes in the commercial and residential sectors, with a range of clients that include hoteliers, local authorities, developers and more.

Jaz Dadhria, SBR Contracts Ltd, said:

“We have a specialist division, carrying out structural works from a straight forward structural opening through to bespoke structural client requirements. We have undertaken such works at the renowned Royal Military Academy in Woolwich for Durkan Estates Ltd where we carried out the internal demolition works, coupled with some very intricate structural works, safeguarding and enabling retention of English heritage architectural features.”

Jaz added:

“Each project we undertake has a retained management team from inception through to completion, with after sales support in defects periods.”

About the author

Roma Publications