Construction company Morgan Sindall has been awarded a £16 million contract from Defence Estates to relocate one of the Army’s most prestigious units from St John’s Wood to Woolwich.

Working with architectural practice Scott Brownrigg, Buro Happold, RPS Group (Landscape) and KWA Architects, Morgan Sindall will create an eco-friendly home for the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery at Napier Lines in Woolwich – the historic home of the Royal Artillery. 

The development will provide stabling and full supporting facilities for 170 horses, as well as the troop's historic gun carriages.  The new facility will run on fuel pellets created from horse manure and bedding which will produce bio-fuel to supply the needs of the development. 

The project incorporates extensive equine training facilities. These include an indoor training school and viewing gallery, regimental offices, museum, gun park, forge, a manége and canter track and a forming-up area for the mounted troop and gun carriages.  The adjacent Woolwich Common will also be regenerated to be used for training on an all-weather surfaced area.

“We are thrilled to have been selected to undertake this scheme which is not only going to give the King’s Troop state-of-the-art accommodation but also provide them with a sustainable base,” says Morgan Sindall managing director Graham Shennan.

Morgan Sindall was selected by Defence Estates following an open and competitive tendering process.

“Defence Estates’ priority is supporting the UK’s armed forces, whilst providing value and meeting Government requirements to plan for a sustainable future. Morgan Sindall has come up with an innovative solution to recycle waste on site, whilst providing upgraded facilities for the Kings Troop,” says Clement Adekoyejo, Defence Estates project manager.

Work begins in September and will complete in November 2011.