We recently worked closely with the DIO and supply chain partner, Tivoli, on a £250,000 refurbishment at Gamecock Barracks on our Regional Prime Central contract on a facility to aid the entire community. A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) including three football pitches, a basketball area and floodlighting was built on the station and is very popular with those living and working at the station.
The new sporting facility will aid soldiers training, sporting progression and allow them an extra area to blow off steam outside of work. The facility has also brought together the entire community. Service families and their children have been encouraged to use the MUGA and it is now a focal point within camp. The station is also used to regularly host a number of high level sporting events, including the Female Festival of Sports, and having this facility will help significantly.
Our Project Manager, Darren Neal, and Lisa Wells, DIO’s Project Manager, successfully co-ordinating the works alongside Tivoli’s Kevin Bradley. The works carried out included the provision of new Edel Grass Fusion Turf 3G all weather synthetic surface on a pre-fabricated foam shock pad, new drainage, integral goals, five metre high ball stop fencing and 400w floodlighting.
Quartermaster Staff Sergeant Instructor (QMSI) Shawn Perry said:
“This is a great asset to the station and exactly what we needed. As the QMSI of the station, I am really thrilled to have this amazing sporting facility. Apart from it being used for football and basketball, this will also allow me to conduct PT lessons. The venue is almost fully booked every evening so it has definitely gained popularity amongst the troops. I envisage that this will continue to be even popular during summer.”
Corporal Bibek Gurung said:
“The MUGA has been a godsend to the station. We can now organise troop football till late evening as it has lighting facilities. It is in a convenient location with easy access. We are very pleased because this facility will boost team bonding.”
30 Signal Regiment Ben Rimell said:
“Loving the new AstroTurf surface play area. It is really nice to have this facility in the station. Since it’s opening, we have been playing on it on a regular basis. Everyone is excited and has been impressed by the facility.”