Serco – Defence Academy Estate Improvements

The Defence Academy provides world-class defence and security education for military personnel, government officials and international students.

Working with Serco, we are helping deliver long-term estate improvements across the Shrivenham campus, including accommodation upgrades, a new Strength and Conditioning Centre, EV infrastructure upgrades, planned maintenance, condition surveys and transport assessments.

Modernising military accommodation

The Defence Academy required modern, JSP-compliant accommodation, upgrading over 100 beds across multiple blocks to enhance student wellbeing and campus appeal. Much of the existing accommodation dated back to the 1930s and no longer met modern expectations for military living environments.

We provided architecture, building services engineering, civil and structural engineering, health and safety, and cost management to guide the project from feasibility to delivery. We reviewed the existing service level agreement (SLA) estate and worked with Serco and the MOD to develop clear, costed options.

We outlined a phased approach through efficient upgrade interventions, reducing disruption for residents while providing JSP and UK regulation compliance. Our cost management support included benchmarking the costs of refurbishment against new build SLA to strengthen the environmental arguments of retain and investment in existing estate.

The upgrades are intended to modernise each block, while improving welfare areas, communal spaces and overall living conditions.

Modern health and wellbeing facilities

Alongside the accommodation programme, our interdisciplinary team is supporting the delivery of a new Strength and Conditioning Centre within a former military building that is being brought back into use.

The refurbished facility will deliver a modern, high-performance environment, including a fully equipped gym, sprint track, free weights area, changing facilities and dedicated support spaces for both staff and students.

The scheme also incorporates a mezzanine breakout area overlooking the main gym, alongside consultation and first aid rooms, reception facilities, upgraded building services infrastructure and external landscaping. The project remains on track for completion in August 2026.

Enhancing student experience and campus appeal

These upgrades strengthen the Academy’s reputation as a leading international defence education centre. By improving day-to-day quality of life and creating a better place to live, study and connect, the project supports current residents and the next generation of learners.