Keynsham Joint Cadet Centre Officially Opens: A Green Investment in the Future of Cadet Training
Keynsham, Somerset – 26 June 2025
In a significant milestone for the South West’s Armed Forces youth community, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, officially opened the new Keynsham Joint Cadet Centre (JCC), a £1.5 million purpose-built,
sustainable facility designed to support both the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) and the Army Cadet Force (ACF).
Hosted by the Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (Wessex RFCA), the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of years of collaborative planning, and was a fitting close to Armed Forces Week – a national celebration of the men, women and young people who serve, and support, the United Kingdom’s defence community.
A Hub for the Next Generation
The new Keynsham JCC has been developed as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Reserve Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP), and represents a landmark joint initiative between the RAF Air Cadets and the Army Cadets. The project highlights the benefits of inter-service collaboration, resource consolidation and the drive for modern, green infrastructure across the Defence estate.
“This is more than just a building—it is a beacon of commitment to the next generation,” said Lord Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq during the opening ceremony. “The cadets I meet across the county show us that leadership is lived, not just taught. This new facility provides a space for them to grow, to challenge themselves, and to discover what it means to serve with pride.”
The Lord Lieutenant was joined by Deputy Lieutenant of Bristol, Jane Thompson, as well as cadets from both the Bristol Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Training Corps. Local dignitaries, adult volunteers and proud families gathered to witness the opening of a centre that is already being hailed as a flagship model for modern cadet infrastructure.
Fit for Purpose, Built for the Future
Constructed by modular building specialists Elite Systems and designed by Askew Cavanna Partnership, the Keynsham JCC is a sustainable, versatile facility tailored to the evolving needs of today’s cadet forces. Environmental consultancy Carbon Consult worked closely on the project to ensure it met ambitious sustainability targets, integrating renewable energy and energy-efficient features throughout.
Key features of the centre include:
Dedicated classrooms and administrative space
A spacious parade hall for drill and ceremonial activities
High-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Outdoor training zones for physical and team-building exercises
Environmentally friendly design with energy-efficient lighting and renewable integration
A Platform for Growth
Colonel Jon Beake, Commandant of Bristol and The Channel Islands Army Cadet Force, expressed his enthusiasm at the opening:
“It was great to attend the official opening of the newly rebuilt JCC at Keynsham alongside fellow volunteers and cadets from both the Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets, as both units have been without proper facilities for over a year. The new centre boasts top-quality training and learning environments, and our cadets were absolutely delighted with their new home.
This gives us a superb opportunity to welcome more young people to join either Cadet unit and grow in line with the Government’s objectives as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. We’ll be holding an open evening very soon to introduce the local community to what the centre has to offer.”
The Keynsham JCC will act as a regional hub for cadet development, outreach and leadership training. The aim is to provide a world-class foundation for learning, character-building and civic engagement—helping young people from across Somerset and Bristol to realise their full potential.
Pride and Partnership
Speaking at the event, Major Robert Wharton, Chair of Wessex RFCA, stated:
“This centre represents everything we stand for—opportunity, community and excellence in training. It’s a proud day for everyone involved, and I’m delighted that future cadets will have such a first-class environment in which to thrive.”
A lighter moment during the ceremony came from Somerset RFCA Board Member Mark Shelford, who remarked:
“Watching the Lord Lieutenant prepare to open the centre, I had a sudden realisation: you never stop learning. Always carry ribbon and sharp scissors in your go-pack! A lesson well noted from our CEO, Brigadier Neville Holmes MBE.”
A Lasting Legacy
As a testament to collaborative effort, environmental responsibility and investment in youth potential, the Keynsham JCC now stands as a proud symbol of what can be achieved through unity and vision.
Wessex RFCA remains committed to supporting Reserve and Cadet forces across the South West by delivering modern infrastructure and fostering environments where the leaders of tomorrow can thrive.
