The 147 "X-type" bedspaces, developed under Project SLAM at Alexander Barracks, are arranged in 12-man dormitory-style rooms, and bring the total number completed at Pirbright to 1,496 since December 2002.
They will be occupied by Phase 1 recruits on their initial 14-week basic training – the first stage of the transition from civilian to soldier – required of all entrants to the Regular and Territorial Army.
Each dormitory is partitioned into three separate areas, each with four beds, with individual wardrobes and storage cupboards providing a degree of individual privacy. On each floor there are four dormitories, with dedicated sanitary facilities, utility rooms, baggage stores, and communal and recreation areas. A platoon office and a 'duty of care' en suite bedroom are located on each floor, to ensure good visibility of personnel passing through the communal areas.
Corporal James Thomson an instructor at the base said:
"It's really fantastic. Now when you've been working really hard out on the training area you have somewhere warm, safe and comfortable to come home to. It's not just the fact that it's a new building, the facilities that come with it are amazing. Now every soldier has somewhere secure to store their kit their own secure drying space for washing and really good recreational facilities.
"Not only does it make the training easier but it's a much friendlier environment. I think it's superb, and the recruits like it too. The accommodation here used to be some of the worst and now we've got some of the best."
In addition to 1,274 Phase 1 bedspaces, Project SLAM has also delivered 78 ensuite bedrooms in eight-man flats for junior ranks, and 144 en suite bedspaces for trainee instructors and permanent staff. Work is underway on en suite accommodation for a further 72 officers and 60 senior non-commissioned officers.
Lieutenant Colonel Tim O'Hare, Commanding Officer of Headquarters Army Training Centre Pirbright, said:
"This is a major milestone in the provision of modern accommodation for soldiers attending their initial training, which complements concurrent improvement to training theatres and recreational facilities here at Pirbright.
"These new buildings provide first class accommodation for both the soldiers under training and the instructional staff. Many of these young people are living away from home for the first time, and the building design enables the development of a cohesive team spirit, while providing the necessary space for some privacy."
Project SLAM, which stands for 'Single Living Accommodation Modernisation', is one of a number of MOD arrangements for improving Service accommodation. Since 2003 MOD has improved some 20,000 single living bedspaces for the Armed Forces, and this will increase to 50,000 by 2013. In total the MOD plans to spend some £8.4bn on living accommodation over the next decade, which includes £3bn on delivering new build and upgraded accommodation.