Hinckley Times

Good progress on new cadet headquarte­rs

Steel frame now in place

- ROBBIE GORDON robbie.gordon@trinitymir­ror.com

WORK continues apace on building a new cadet training centre in Hinckley, with the steel structure now in place.

The joint training facility on Brunel Road will be used by both Leicesters­hire, Northampto­nshire and Rutland Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the 198 Squadron (Sqn) Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

It is hoped to be complete by autumn this year.

The new centre will include classrooms, a radio room, overhead projectors, a training hall and storage spaces to house equipment used during cadet activities.

Clare Hill, project manager at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Associatio­n (RFCA), said the constructi­on was making good progress.

She said: “Work began on site in late 2016 and are progressin­g well to date.

“The steel structure is now in place and the floor will be added shortly.

“The new centre is being constructe­d on the same site as the former cadet training centre, and when complete will allow up to 80 cadets and adult volunteers to use the space at any one time.”

The old 1920s building was deemed to be no longer fit for purpose and was bulldozed in December last year.

Planning permission for the new facility was granted by planners at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council in March last year.

Colonel Mick Coleman, commandant of ACF, said: “It’s an exciting time for all the cadets in Hinckley.

“You can see the new building is going to be a smashing addition to our estate.”

Flight lieutenant Chris Parry of 198 Sqn, added: “Everyone connected with Hinckley Air Cadets is really looking forward to the new base.

“We have more than 40 cadets and hopefully having better facilities will attract even more young people and adult volunteers to get involved.”

During the constructi­on work, ACF meets at Hinckley Academy, on Butt Lane, on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Meanwhile 198 Sqn meet at St Peter’s Primary School, on London Road in Hinckley, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 7pm to 9.30pm.

To find out more about the Army Cadet Force visit www.armycadets.com

To learn more about the air cadets visit www.raf. mod.uk/aircadets

You can see a video of the old cadet headquarte­rs being demolished at www. hinckleyti­mes.net

 ??  ?? Work continues on Hinckley’s new cadet centre on Brunel Road following the demolition of the former HQ in December last year. Picture: East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Associatio­n
Work continues on Hinckley’s new cadet centre on Brunel Road following the demolition of the former HQ in December last year. Picture: East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Associatio­n
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