Sharp Hall welfare facility undergoes refurbishment

Sharp Hall, a central hub for welfare services for soldiers and their families, as well as other community-based clubs and activities across Larkhill Garrison, has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, transforming into a modern, energy-efficient, and welcoming facility for service personnel and their families.

The project, which began in November 2022, was handed back to the Army on January 17, 2024, and represents a collaborative effort between Aspire Defence, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Army.

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The aim was to deliver a welfare facility to meet the needs of the local Army community.

Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Richard Gregory, Master Gunner, St James’s Park (Image: ADSL)

Sharp Hall's roots trace back to its original use as a Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) hut during World War I. The building was later renamed Sharp Hall in 1978, honouring General Sir John Aubrey Taylor Sharp, who oversaw its brick construction during his tenure as Commandant of the Royal School of Artillery from 1964 to 1966.

ADSL Project Manager, Frank Hagan, worked with DIO and other stakeholders to develop a new office and hall layout, resulting in a refreshed and optimised space.

The refurbishment aimed to provide a welcoming facility for the four thousand Gunner soldiers and their families based at Larkhill and the growing community-based projects in the area.

Frank Hagan, Mark Carr, Vanessa Coyler, Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Richard Gregory, Master Gunner, St James’s Park (Image: ADSL)

It also aimed to enhance the building's energy efficiency by adding insulation to external walls and beneath the concrete floor. The removal of the unused stage has expanded the hall's space, offering greater adaptability for the Larkhill community.

While the building was handed back to the Army on January, 17, the official reopening of Sharp Hall was marked with an unveiling ceremony on Monday, February 26 by Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB DL, The Master Gunner St James’s Park.

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Allan Thomson, chief executive, ADL, said: "The successful completion of Sharp Hall's refurbishment is a testament to our effective partnership, working together to deliver excellence and our commitment to creating the best possible environment for the evolving needs of our service personnel and their families.

"This project showcases our dedication to sustainable infrastructure improvements and delivering long-term value for the MOD in making soldiers’ lives better and ensuring they live and work in the best possible environment."

Mrs Denise Scrivener, Mrs Sandra Stringfellow, Major (Retd) Andrew Dines, Master Gunner St James’s Park, Col Matthew Carter RA, Mrs Sarah-Jane Hatt (Image: ADSL)

Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Richard Gregory, Master Gunner, St James’s Park, said: "Sharp Hall is more than just a building. It is part of our history, I am sure General Sir John and Lady Sharp would all be reassured to know the building is continuing to provide welfare to our soldiers and that the provision reaches beyond just the serving person but now, rightfully, their families as well.

"It is a place where we can celebrate, share and support each other. It is a testament to collaboration and the generosity of our own charity that we can open the doors on a new facility, fit for purpose and aligned with the Garrison’s growing and evolving needs.

"It is a facility that reflects the Lived Experience of our people, who are our most important resource that enables us to deliver our fighting power."