Princess Royal opens new Mess complex on Whale Island
Official opening marks completion of VT Flagship project
The Princess Royal has unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of a new Mess complex at Whale Island, recently completed by VT Flagship’s prime contracting team.
The Mess complex at HMS EXCELLENT, home of the Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth, marks the third phase of Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for VT’s prime contracting team. The complex includes two SLA accommodation wings providing 134 rooms and the public rooms – the Edgar Evans building which comprises a double vaulted function room, bar facilities, a conference room and internet suite.
The SLA building have been designed to reflect the existing architecture and historic character of HMS Excellent with pitched slate roofs, reconstituted stone window sills, and sash look-alike windows.
Said Ian Cullis, VT Flagship Principal Project Manager: "This building is the culmination of over two years work for RNEO, VT Flagship and the team. We were set the objective of designing a building to inspire Junior Ratings to progress to the Senior Rates mess. We believe and trust that this new building will fulfil that objective."
The works were project managed by VT Flagship as part of the Prime Contract Enabling Agreement (PCEA) set up between Royal Naval Estates and VT Flagship.
Two other buildings for Junior Ratings (phase one and two), which replaced outdated stock with new, were handed over to the Royal Naval Estate Organisation (RNEO) in 2004 and 2008.
Said Commander Simon Howell, Commanding Officer of HMS EXCELLENT: “This new build project was delivered to time and to cost and these modern, high quality buildings will significantly enhance the lives of those who live at their place of work, providing well furnished, en- suite rooms and conferencing facilities. This is another step in an ongoing programme of upgrading and rebuilding living accommodation across the entire defence estate. It is vitally important that we offer incentives and an appropriate level of facilities to aspire to as our people progress their careers in the Navy.”
Said David Delicate, RNEO Project Sponsor: “This project is the ninth Single Living Accommodation (SLA) project delivered under the PCEA arrangement which has provided the Navy with over 1000 new bed spaces. Both projects are a major success and have been delivered within budget to the highest quality. The modern accommodation will improve both the morale component and retention statistics of the Navy.”
Inset images:
Princess Royal opening plaque for new Mess complex
VT PRIME Project team outside new facilities
|
