Two Cadet centres in Sutton Coldfield have received a fresh makeover thanks to a refurbishment project led by our Estates team.
The buildings, home to the Sutton Coldfield Detachment Army Cadets and 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, saw tired exteriors and interiors upgraded and modernised, and the internal and external structures of the building refurbished.
Overseen by our Estate Manager, Richard Cameron, with support from our Estate Officer, Lauren Robinson, our team worked with lead contactor Contech Construction Limited and supporting contractor, Ro-Clad Systems Ltd, to create enhanced facilities for Cadets and local communities to enjoy.
Work on the centres started in early January, and both projects were completed on budget and ahead of schedule.
Improved durability and energy efficiency
Works to the external structures on both buildings included:
- Repairs to the metal profile roof to stop corrosion and prevent further deterioration
- Disintegrating timber soffits and fascias replaced with new watertight UPVC boards
- New UPVC guttering and downpipes installed to ensure correct drainage
- Outdated single-glazed timber window frames replaced with modern, energy-efficient double-glazed units
- Upgraded powder-coated entrance and emergency exit doors to comply with the latest health and safety standards
- Exterior cladding re-stained and repaired
- Steps and ramps cleaned and faded yellow hazard lines restored
- Fixing trip hazards on pathway and hard standing areas
- External wooden fences mended and metal fencing given a fresh coat of paint
Interior works brighten up the Cadet experience
With the external areas undergoing significant upgrades, the interiors were similarly overhauled:
- Interiors redecorated with new colour schemes to enhance the aesthetic appeal
- Fire doors and non-fire doors repainted and rehung with fixtures replaced, adhering to the Fire Safety Regulatory Reform Order 2005
- New vinyl sheet flooring and carpet tiles installed
- Brand new energy-efficient LED light units installed to replace old fluorescent tube lighting
- Inefficient heaters removed and replaced with new, programmable, wall-mounted Rointe energy-saving heaters
- Complete kitchen renovations
The refurbishments form part of our Estates team’s ongoing commitment to improving the Reserve and Cadet estate. By providing clean, safe and modern facilities for both current occupants and future generations, we can give Reservists, Cadets and Adult Volunteers the opportunity to get the best out of their training experiences.
Find out more about how our Estates team support the Reserve and Cadet estate in our region.
Published 10/04/2025
