HMS Raleigh, the Royal Navy’s New Entry training establishment in Torpoint, Cornwall, places great emphasis on the Initial Military Fitness (IMF) regime within the trainees’ programme which makes the unit’s Physical Training Centre a vital asset as it plays a key part in preparing new recruits for a career in the Royal Navy.
In October 2019, Amey responded to a reactive task where a ceiling mounted air handling unit in the staff changing room beneath Gym No 2 had become unsafe. A subsequent survey identified that the tongue and groove flooring in the gym above did not sit astride the supporting steels of the suspended structure correctly, and the repetitive impact shock caused by up to 70 trainees conducting IMF at one time over the years, was the likely reason. A decision was subsequently made to remove the existing decking and replace it completely.
In November 2020, Amey commenced the project using a small specialist team who stayed with the project throughout. The existing vinyl floor covering was lifted first to expose the boarding beneath and in a sequenced programme the old boarding was removed and the new boarding laid. A soundproofing membrane was then placed across the entire floor which was in turn covered with a layer of wooden boarding, with the panel joins being filled and sanded to ensure a uniform flat surface before the new vinyl floor covering was laid and marked.
The task was completed a week early and HMS Raleigh PT staff were delighted to get Gym No 2 back enabling them to make full use of the Physical Training Centre.
Amey’s Project Manager, Ed Dunkley said “Amey understands the importance of physical fitness within a fighting force and the reasons why the Royal Navy place such emphasis on physical conditioning. We were incredibly proud to handover the gymnasium which will serve the establishment for many years to come.”
The Establishment’s Executive Officer, Cdr Sean Brady RN, stated “The loss of Gym No 2 had a significant impact on training, however, once funding had been made available Amey mobilised at pace and I was delighted with how the project was delivered. The gym is now back in full use ensuring that my PT department are fully able to meet their training outputs.”