Colchester Barracks

A ceremony was held at the army’s Colchester Garrison in June 2009 to watch the lifting in of the final living module built by Terrapin. In total, 3,034 Terrapin designed modules, mainly fitted out as en-suite bedrooms, have now been installed in what is a £2bn, 35-year scheme to develop and service the garrison.

Development of the 185 hectare site will have taken in the region of four years when the last of the new buildings is commissioned. Approximately two thirds of the factory-built modules now make up 25 three-storey buildings which will create accommodation for 1,700 junior ranks. A further 375 en-suite facilities will provide accommodation for officers and SNCOs (Senior Non-Commissioned Officers) in two large mess buildings.

Terrapin has worked as sub-contractor with Design and Build contractor Sir Robert McAlpine to see development, manufacturing and installation of the modules ahead of schedule. The modules are constructed from a rigid light steel frame, fitted out to provide individual bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, carpets, and curtains, or fully manufactured for utility and pre-fitted plant rooms, cleaners’ facilities, visitors room and communal areas. There is also a four man dormitory in each JRSLA (Junior Ranks Single Living Accommodation) block. A typical accommodation module is approximately 15 sq m when fabricated, ready for transporting to site.

Terrapin Group Chairman, Mr Billy Orr, commented that the particular requirements of the army had been a challenge in the early development stages, with army sergeants ‘jump’ testing the robustness of prototype units, which passed with ‘flying colours’. Mr Orr also noted that in designing a ‘travel style’ hotel it is reasonable to assume that guests will use bathrooms at different times, whereas the service in a garrison block must cope with the demands of 69 soldiers showering simultaneously at reveille or after an exercise.

Colchester Barracks

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