England

London Army barracks £50 million transformation

A fifty-million pound project has transformed one of London's grandest Army barracks into a 21st century home for forces families.

Woolwich Barracks was built more than 200 years ago and until 2 years ago - was the headquarters of the Royal Artillery.

Now regiments from London and the South East will be based there - starting with 2nd Battalion, the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

It’s the longest Georgian façade of any building in the UK and for many sums up the grandeur of the military.

But this 200-year-old barracks isn’t a museum piece. Just behind the Georgian, lies the modern. 6 brand new blocks for single personnel.

The two year development has spruced up existing accommodation for families and couples.

Second Battalion, princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment have just returned from two and a half years in Cyprus as Theatre Reserve Battalion, regularly deploying to Afghanistan:

This development forms part of the Firm Base London programme, which aims to move London District regiments into the best barracks available in the capital, for their role.

A few years ago, Woolwich had been penciled in for closure, this commitment to the site looks like ensuring it’s this historic location will have a continued role to play in the modern armed forces.