The Reserve Estate Optimisation (REO) programme is a major Defence investment project to make best use of the Volunteer Estate managed by RFCAs improve the lived experience for the reserves and cadets who use it.
REO work aims to provide reservists, cadets and cadet force adult volunteers with modern, energy efficient, fit-for-purpose training locations that still maintain the visibility of uniformed organisations.
One REO project overseen by East Anglia RFCA’s estates team extended and enhanced the RAF Air Cadet training hall in Fakenham, Norfolk, to create a new joint cadet centre.
Contractors delivered a modular-built extension to the site as refurbishment took place in the old air training corps (ATC) hut next door. The two buildings were then joined by a large covered area (pictured above) offering extra teaching space.
This very sizeable project resulted in a modern, highly efficient cadet centre set in large, secure grounds with many environmental sustainability features and ecological enhancements.
Similarly, REO brought a £1.2m modular building to Southend-on-Sea, accommodating Army and Air Cadets next door to the city’s Army Reserve Centre.
The new structure (part of which is pictured below, being lowered onto its site by a crane) has a solar panel array and a pond to increase biodiversity, as well as offering a tranquil space for site users.
