PriDE manages Defence Estates’ South East Regional Prime Contract (SE RPC). Valued at around £380m, the SE RPC is one of five regional prime contracts currently in place in the UK.

Site: Woolwich Barracks

Project: Southern Boundary

State of the art security at Woolwich, whilst maintaining the site’s heritage

Delivery

The provision of a wall formed around a centrally extended parade ground, incorporating a security control centre and attendant security systems.

Innovation

Installation of the state-of-the-art security system within a conservation area, under stringent planning conditions and in conjunction with English Heritage.

Added Value

The boundary wall and gates were designed to reflect the historical surroundings of these barracks, and enhance the utility of the parade ground in respect of aesthetics and functionality, whilst extending the life of the parade ground.

Contract Value/Programme

£11m delivered in 63 weeks

Background

The overall security provision of Woolwich Barracks needed to be addressed following the vacation of the 16 Regiment Artillery. The site needed modern and secure fencing to protect the famous parade ground in East London, the parade square needed to be extended and a Crimea statue needed to be relocated. These works were undertaken by PriDE, fully working with the customer to understand the change of requirements and providing innovative solutions to reduce impact of works whilst maintaining the original features of the historical site.

Due to the nature and history of the site, the fence and wall was developed in close consultation with English Heritage and the Local Authority’s Conservation Officer, in order to sympathetically preserve and continue the Georgian façade of the Officer’s Mess building. Portland stone and period lanterns were sourced to maintain the building’s aesthetic appeal.

In carrying out the work, five Crimean period cannon were discovered during excavations for the foundations of the wall. They were excavated under the supervision of Archaeological specialists and the work was successfully completed.