Old College Buildings
Being encompassed by the largest freestanding scaffolding in Europe at that time, major works were carried out to Old College, to include extensive roof structure repairs, replacement roof coverings and associated works.
Old College Buildings – Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
- Old College at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, was built for the original Royal Military College, completed in 1812 to the design of the world famous architect James Wyatt Link. Its completion coincided with the battle of Salamanca in which Wellington’s army finally destroyed the legend of French invincibility, so emphatically confirmed three years later at Waterloo.
Six brass Waterloo cannons now stand along the front of the building. In the present day the building houses Old College, one of three colleges on the Sandhurst estate where all British Army officers undergo their initial training in leadership and other professional military skills, prior to receiving their commissions and joining their regiments.
Sandhurst, with its motto “Serve to Lead”, has a global reputation, however it is not a university although around 85% of entrants currently have university degrees. Almost 10% of the entrants are sent by overseas governments, as an example the late King Hussein of Jordan was among many notable foreign students. - Being encompassed by the largest freestanding scaffolding in Europe at that time, major works were carried out to Old College, to include extensive roof structure repairs, replacement roof coverings and associated works.
The renovation project, which was carried out whilst the building remained occupied, involved the replacement of roof slates and the removal of around 3,000 square metres of asbestos from roof voids. It also involved the deconstruction and rebuilding of 58 chimneys, which required the use of 1,700 tonnes of scaffolding which would reach a little under 2,000 miles if laid end to end.
Throughout the project and overall renovation process, a key focus was given to safeguarding priceless memorabilia, including those pieces located in the building’s ‘India Room’, and shielding unique stained-glass windows from damage. - The project timescale from commencement to completion was 12 months. Encompassing a workforce of 200 trades and managerial personnel, including shielding and scaffolding specialists, ensured an attention to detail required for damage prevention and completion whilst the building remained operational. The project was completed within the budget allocated at the initial costing and quantity survey phase, being £4m.
The value added to the property due to the works carried out and completed is immeasurable as the property is government owned, a listed building, protected by national heritage and as such, the overall end value is priceless.
Development Partners
The Alliance Fund controls the full vertical of development delivery to ensure quality and increase capitalisation for all participating shareholders. Appointed development partners hold a rather enviable track record of delivery value, being quite literally ‘Priceless’.
