A brand-new £11 million Soldiers’ Centre has officially opened at Alexander Barracks, Pirbright, offering state-of-the-art welfare support for new army recruits undertaking their gruelling 13-week basic training.
Army Training Centre (ATC) Pirbright is about 30 miles west of London, close to the towns of Aldershot and Guildford.
The modern, purpose-built facility, which spans two storeys, provides a much-needed space for relaxation and socialisation, featuring retail and food outlets, a cinema, and communal areas.
It also serves as a gathering point for families attending passing out parades, ensuring a welcoming environment for those celebrating their loved ones’ transition into military service.
Biggest Ever Grant from Army Central Fund
The project was jointly funded by the British Army and the Army Central Fund (ACF), with the ACF contributing a record-breaking £7 million grant—the largest single donation in its history. The facility was constructed by Henry Brothers and WSP, under the direction of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
Speaking at the official opening on 31st January, Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, highlighted the importance of the investment:
“The Soldiers’ Centre is an outstanding facility that will promote wellbeing and foster a sense of community among recruits at ATC Pirbright as they start their life journey with the army. This project also demonstrates our extensive investment in modernising our estate, supporting future capability, and enhancing the environments where our soldiers live, work and train.”
Major General Sam Humphris MBE, Chair of the ACF, also stressed the fund’s commitment to improving conditions for service personnel:
“The Army Central Fund provides grant funding to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of serving British Army personnel and their immediate families. We are extremely proud of the leadership gift we made to enable delivery of this modern, high-quality welfare facility, which will support the morale of recruits and provide enduring benefit to them and their families.”
Sustainability at the Heart of the Build
In addition to its welfare role, The Soldiers’ Centre is also a step forward in the army’s commitment to sustainability. Modern construction techniques were used, including a Glulam structural frame, and photovoltaic panels have been installed to generate renewable energy on-site—helping to reduce the army’s carbon footprint.
Warren Webster, MPP Programme Director – Army, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, expressed his satisfaction with the project:
“I am delighted to see this hugely impressive welfare facility being used by army recruits. We’ve focused on providing a building that has been designed with sustainability at its heart to meet the needs of soldiers and their families. We look forward to many cohorts of recruits passing through on the way to the rest of their army careers.”
Further Investment in Pirbright
The opening of The Soldiers’ Centre is just the first step in a major transformation of ATC Pirbright. The Alexander Barracks Project, part of the Defence Estate Optimisation (Army) Programme, will see the construction of:
- Modern recruit accommodation
- A state-of-the-art gymnasium
- A swimming pool
- Enhanced working and training facilities
Construction is set to begin in 2026 with completion scheduled for 2032.
A Tangible Boost for Army Recruits
Summing up the impact of the new facility, Lt Col Bysshe, Commanding Officer of ATC Pirbright, said:
“The Soldiers’ Centre provides a 21st-century welfare facility for ATC Pirbright. Serving recruits, permanent staff, and families, it significantly enhances the lived experience for all. As the first new building within wider plans to overhaul a sizeable proportion of the Pirbright estate, it provides a tangible example of high-quality modernised infrastructure and sets the standard moving forward.”
With this historic investment, Pirbright is solidifying its position as one of the most advanced training centres in the UK, ensuring future generations of soldiers have the best possible start to their military careers.
