The Royal Military Academy was established in 1741 to train British Army officers and was closed in 1939. The historic buildings fell into disrepair despite maintenance. Durkan Estates purchased the site in 2008 and began renovating the Grade II listed buildings to create 182 residential units while adding new construction. The development will provide housing as well as community facilities and restore the original cricket pitch.

1. ROYAL
MILITARY
ACADEMY
Client: Durkan Estates
Contract Value: £95,000.000
Architect: John McAslan &
Partners
The Royal Military Academy was
established in 1741 to train officers for
the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers
regiments in the British Army. Many
famous officers were trained at the facility
including Churchill and Kitchener.
The historic buildings were in full
occupation until 1939 when the Royal
Military Academy was closed and
Sandhurst opened as an amalgamation
of both institutes. Although the Chapel
was in use until fairly recently, the
decades of inactivity had seen the rest
of the buildings fall into a degree of
disrepair, despite constant maintenance
to the external fabric to prevent further
deterioration.
The Royal Military Academy is a collection
of Grade II listed buildings and a local
landmark for Woolwich. Following the
purchase of the site from Defence Estates
proposals were prepared to refurbish the
buildings and convert them into residential
units.
A sequential phased development
programme has seen the construction of
new apartment blocks and an extra-care
home to the rear of the site. Construction
and refurbishment works commenced in
2008 and the final phases of development
are due for completion in 2015.
The new buildings have been sensitively
designed to reflect and enhance the
unique character of the site - new and old
stand next to and complement each other.
In collaboration with English Heritage,
the existing historic buildings are being
carefully refurbished to create a mix of
apartments, duplexes and town houses
within the retained structures.
Conversion of the Chapel and Great Hall
will provide community facilities for all
including a health club and concierge,
library and meeting area as well as art
studios and a community hall.
The completed development will deliver
182 private sale homes alongside 62
shared ownership, 23 affordable rent and
61 extra or primary care.
THE HISTORY THE PROJECT
CASE STUDY
Durkan, 4 Elstree Gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6
+44 (0)20 8619 9700 | www.durkan.co.uk | info@durkan.co.uk

2. All new apartment and extra-care blocks have
been designed and constructed to meet ‘Code
for Sustainable Homes’ level 3 and a centralised
CHP boiler system provides heating and hot water
throughout the new-build homes.
Close collaboration with ‘Greenwich Local Labour
and Business’ had delivered significant employment
and training opportunities for local residents with
apprentices recruited from the nearby Shooters Hill
Post 16 Campus.
Consultations during planning identified the need for
local sports pitches and an agreement was reached
with Blackheath Cricket Club to restore and utilise
what is claimed to be the oldest cricket pitch in
England.
Generous support from Sport England, The
Mayor’s Fund and the Blackheath Club
Trustees has ensured that the facility will
provide access to Sports for Schools. Work
on the pitch was completed in 2012 with the
boundaries set at 65yards – large enough for
county cricket.
With support from Marathon Trust,
refurbishment of the East Lodge is underway
to create a sports pavilion alongside the
revitalised cricket pitch.
Durkan, 4 Elstree Gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JD
+44 (0)20 8619 9700 | www.durkan.co.uk | info@durkan.co.uk
KEY FACTS
• A unique development
opportunity set within
23 acres of grounds
• Sensitive collaboration
between English
Heritage, Greenwich
Conservation and
Durkan Estates to
convert the historic
Grade II listed Royal
Military Academy
• An inspirational
collection of new
build and converted
houses and apartments
set within a historic
landmark building
• Retention and
restoration of the
original historic cricket
pitch, currently leased
to Blackheath Cricket
Club
• On site self-store,
concierge, bicycle
storage, fitness suite
and 1:1 car parking.
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION