Amey’s Secure Infrastructure business, a provider of critical facilities services for the public sector and UK Defence, has successfully transformed the Military Hub at RMA Sandhurst from an outdated facility into a modern, digitally enabled place ready for military spouses and partners of serving personnel at the Unit to work from, connect and enjoy.
The Military Coworking Network (MCN), which also serves nearby military bases at Aldershot and Pirbright, is a new tri-service initiative aimed at supporting families where both spouses are serving in the Forces. The initiative seeks to make it easier for military spouses and partners to create independent, professional lives alongside military life and to improve their wellbeing by connecting them to a community of like-minded people.
Scott Donovan, Amey’s Site Manager, led the project, in partnership with supply chain partners, DDR, Hendersons and JFK, creating a clean and contemporary office space with secure Wi-Fi. There are nine hot desks, each with lockable storage, including one sit-stand workstation, as well as a meeting table that is perfect for collaborative activities. A further, separate office space provides a place for confidential working, virtual meeting attendance and events. Members have access to a colour printer, scanner and copier as well as unlimited tea and coffee. In addition, a fantastic breakout area has been designed where members can relax with their fellow co-workers. Bathroom facilities and parking is also available.
Internally, the hub has been transformed from the mundane to the stylish, with all painting and decorating being carried out in line with the MCN branding pallet. The installation of heating as well as a fully functional kitchenette, including plumbing and wiring, and new carpets throughout, complete the new MCN look.
Tim Redfern, Amey’s Managing Director Defence, said: “Amey took on the task of transforming this vital asset, and together with the support of the MCN members and MOD personnel, have created a truly remarkable co-working space for all military spouses and partners at RMA Sandhurst and the surrounding military bases. Being able to provide a place where members can remain in work or run their own business while their partner is serving is hugely important and we’re delighted to provide them with the right environment and the right technology, to do so.”
Colonel Phaedra McLean added: “I was hugely impressed by the fantastic facilities provided by the Military Co-working Hub but more so by the drive and commitment and successful team effort of all those involved to get this done. The facility will provide long-term support to our families, without whose support those serving would not be able to do what they do and gives them a community not just while they are at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst but wherever the Service may take them.”
Maria Lyle, Director, Royal Air Force Families Federation, concluded: “I would also like to say a special thank you to Amey’s Defence team who have supported us with the transformation of the space at RMA Sandhurst, and done a really incredible job to a very high standard.”
The opening event was well attended with the Army being represented by Major General David Eastman MBE, Colonel Phaedra McLean, and Lieutenant Colonel Sam Hull. Chris Jackman, the Station Staff Officer, alongside many military spouses and partners for whom the hub has been set up, represented the RMA Sandhurst community. Also, in attendance were Tim Redfern, Amey’s Managing Director Defence and Richard Castell, Amey’s Operational Relationship Manager, as well as Gary Thompson-Bowers, one of the training providers the MCN is working with to bring new learning and development opportunities to their members.