ADSL Successfully Completes Major Refurbishment of Sharp Hall Welfare Facility

Sharp Hall is a central hub for welfare services for soldiers and their families, as well as other community-based clubs and activities across Larkhill Garrison. Recently it has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, transforming into a modern, energy-efficient, and welcoming facility for service personnel and their families.   

The project, which began in November 2022, was handed back to the Army on 17 January 2024, and represents a collaborative effort between Aspire Defence, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Army. The aim was to deliver a welfare facility to meet the needs of the local Army community.   

Historical Background: A Building with a Story 

Sharp Hall’s roots trace back to its original use as a Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) hut during World War I. It stands on the site where five such huts served the 34 Battalion-sized camps in the area. The building was later renamed Sharp Hall in 1978, honouring General Sir John Aubrey Taylor Sharp, who oversaw its brick construction during his tenure as Commandant of the Royal School of Artillery from 1964 to 1966. The reopening in 1978 was attended by Lady Sharp, his widow. Today, the revitalised Sharp Hall continues its legacy of providing welfare to soldiers and their families. 

The Refurbishment Journey 

The refurbishment project initially faced unforeseen challenges when a significant structural problem was discovered. This meant that all internal concrete block walls, including the main hall stage, had to be demolished. Despite causing delays, this setback provided an opportunity for a strategic review of the building’s use and layout. ADSL Project Manager, Mr. Frank Hagan, worked with DIO and other stakeholders, including the Garrison Management Team and various Gunner regiments to develop a new office and hall layout, resulting in a refreshed and optimised space. 

Frank and the main contractor Jordan & Faber, led by Site Manager Mr. Peter Oakes, worked together with contractor Rhodar to ensure the successful completion of the project. 

Construction Value and Funding 

The project was part of the lifecycle programme that Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL) delivers on Aspire Defence Ltd.’s (ADL) behalf, with additional funding made available by the Gunners own Royal Artillery Charitable Fund. This financial support played a crucial role in making the renovations possible ensuring this new facility fits with the Garrison’s evolving needs. 

Objectives and Outcomes of the Refurbishment 

The refurbishment aimed to provide a welcoming facility for the four thousand Gunner soldiers and their families based at Larkhill and the growing community-based projects in the area. Additionally, ADSL sought to enhance the building’s energy efficiency by adding insulation to external walls and beneath the concrete floor, resulting in a well-insulated structure that reduces its carbon footprint. 

The outcomes of the refurbishment are substantial. The removal of the unused stage has expanded the hall’s space, offering greater adaptability for the Larkhill community. Accessible ramps, doors and a new patio area with an enclosed garden now make the facility usable by all. The reconfigured office and welfare facilities not only enhance accessibility but also improve the building’s aesthetics, making it a more inviting space. The landscaped garden area further beautifies the environment. 

Celebrating the Reopening 

The building was handed back to the Army on 17 January 2024, however the official reopening of Sharp Hall was marked with an unveiling ceremony on Monday 26 February by Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB DL, The Master Gunner St James’s Park and attended by James Richardson, SE Region and PFI’s, DIO, Colonel Charlie Harmer, Royal Artillery Regimental Colonel and Major Peter Magill, SO2 Co-ordinator. Also by Mark Carr, Managing Director ADSL, Richard Tindal, Capital Projects Director, ADSL, Frank Hagan, Project Manager, ADSL and Vanessa Colyer, Operations Director, Aspire Defence.  

Also present were Trustees from the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund, who played a crucial role in making the renovations possible, alongside Welfare officers, members of the Garrison Management Team and Service Personnel. 

The ceremony included a tour of the facility and a reception providing an opportunity to celebrate the successful cooperation that led to the transformation of Sharp Hall. 

Quotes from Key Attendees: 

Allan Thomson, Chief Executive, ADL: “The successful completion of Sharp Hall’s refurbishment is a testament to our effective partnership, working together to deliver excellence and our commitment to creating the best possible environment for the evolving needs of our service personnel and their families. This project showcases our dedication to sustainable infrastructure improvements and delivering long term value for the MOD in making soldiers’ lives better and ensuring they live and work in the best possible environment.  

Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Richard Gregory, Master Gunner, St James’s Park: “Sharp Hall is more than just a building. It is part of our history, I am sure General Sir John and Lady Sharp would all be reassured to know the building is continuing to provide welfare to our soldiers and that the provision reaches beyond just the serving person but now, rightfully, their families as well. It is a place where we can celebrate, share and support each other. It is a testament to collaboration and the generosity of our own charity that we can open the doors on a new facility, fit for purpose and aligned with the Garrison’s growing and evolving needs. It is a facility that reflects the Lived Experience of our people, who are our most important resource that enables us to deliver our fighting power.”