The £7 million revamp at Rollestone Camp on Salisbury Plain is a game-changer for the hundreds of Armed Forces personnel who call it home while undergoing training. The brand new kitchen facility is not just a significant upgrade in terms of capacity - able to feed 600 troops in two sittings - but also a beacon of innovation, with its cutting-edge design and focus on sustainability.
The kitchen's electric setup, complete with solar panels and battery storage, is set to slash the site's power consumption and align perfectly with the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) ambitious targets for reducing environmental impact. This investment is part of a broader strategy aimed at modernising facilities across various training camps nationwide, with Salisbury Plain being one of the UK's most utilised sites - open for around 340 days annually.
As part of this overhaul, Rollestone Camp has also seen recent upgrades in its NetCAP carbon-efficient accommodation blocks, featuring new beds, showers, and drying rooms. Additionally, an Urban Fighting Skills House has been developed to provide realistic training scenarios, replicating the complexities of modern urban operations. These enhancements are designed to enhance the overall experience for military personnel and support the Army's operational readiness and sustainability objectives.
Major General AJ Smith CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, stressed that high-quality facilities like this kitchen ensure troops are well-prepared for the demands of soldiering. He noted that this significant investment at Rollestone will play a vital role in supporting personnel throughout their training progression and in their preparation for global operations.
Landmarc's Project Manager, Andy Green, further highlighted the importance of these improvements, stating they enhance the lived experience of personnel and guarantee the training estate remains supportive of effective, high-quality training. Brigadier Gavin Hatcher, Head of Overseas and Training at DIO, reinforced the commitment to delivering modern infrastructure while minimising environmental impact.