A new joint cadet centre for army and air cadets in Norwich was officially opened last month, following an extensive upgrade managed by our estates team.
The refurbished centre was already home to the young people and adult volunteers of 231 (Norwich) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC), and they now share the extended space with Catton Detachment Norfolk Army Cadet Force and HQ staff of Norfolk and Suffolk Wing ATC.
The centre was opened by the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Lonsdale on the 24th June 2024, with cadets and adults from air and army cadets in attendance. Proceedings included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and an inspection of cadets, where the Deputy Lieutenant was joined by Wing Commander Jason Allan, OC of Norfolk and Suffolk Wing. Wing Commander Allan said of the refurb: “This is a significant investment for the young people of Norwich, allowing both the air cadets and the army cadets to work much closer together to provide unique opportunities.”
The Norwich Cadet Centre at Constitution Hill is located in a prime location serving the communities of New Catton, Old Catton and Sprowston to the north of Norwich City Centre. Conveniently situated along Norwich’s ring road, the building refurbishment and extension makes it possible to offer the cadet experience to even more young people locally. Since the refurbishment, the number of young people attending on a weekly basis has increased significantly, influenced by the enthusiasm of Army Cadet detachment commander SSI Garry Wright and the ATC’s Flt Lt Kristian Crittenden. Flt Lt Crittenden recently became 231 (Norwich) Sqn’s Officer Commanding..
The Cadet Centre is also the headquarters of the Norfolk & Suffolk Wing of the RAF Air Cadets, with a small team of permanent staff supporting the administration of 25 Squadrons. The transformation of the Cadet Centre was made possible with infrastructure funding from the RAF Air Cadets. Both the air cadets and army cadets benefit from the investment that goes into optimising the Cadet Estate. Building maintenance and grounds maintenance are supported by a dedicated RFCA Logistics Support Officer and a Cadet Administrative Assistant, CAA), who reduce administrative burden on the adult volunteers.
The centre is now a modern, fit-for-purpose location where each group has their own dedicated spaces plus the use of shared spaces on their respective training days. The facilities include:
- a new classroom, office and kitchenette
- inclusive features such as step-free access and accessible toilet
- energy saving features including solar panels and LED lighting
- an increase in outdoor learning space
- a refurb of all existing spaces to ensure they are bright and warm
- a new roof, gutters and weatherproofing
- improved insulation, new windows and internal and external doors
- a new pond, tree and shrub planting and a wildflower area
- new bird and bat boxes, affixed to mature trees.
The upgrade is part of the RFCA Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP), a major Defence investment which aims to optimise the volunteer estate to be more efficient, and to change from an historic footprint to one that supports today’s demands.