A JOB WELL DONE AT QUEEN’S UOTC

Recently essential work and an upgrade of facilities was completed at Tyrone House in Belfast. This is the home of Queen’s University Officer Training Corps. The project began originally in response to a report received by the estates team, who upon inspection identified a serious problem with a structural wall. A cause of concern which rendered the adjoining cadet classrooms as unsafe for use, while it was also beginning to encroach into school next door. 

The team worked quickly to tender and secure a contractor, which was awarded to A Cairnduff & Sons.  The project began with the essential  repairs to the wall.   The project also included: creation of a new guardroom within the main building and removing the old portacabin and blastwall, the construction of a new cadet class room and outside garden room .  Previously there were steps around the ground floor and these were replaced with gentle ramps and new flooring,  this created a better flow inside while also allowing the building to be as assessable as possible for all visitors.

Speaking on behalf of Queen’s UOTC, Captain Tony Henry RLC said “As the main site contact I’ve had a close working relationship with Kyle, Gillian and Grant from A. Cairnduff and Sons. The cooperation between all involved has been exceptional. The projects has been completed with the minimum of disruption to the staff within Tyrone House and on schedule. The contractor and his staff have always been courteous, friendly and helpful throughout their time on site. RFCA have always been engaging with us as the customer and taken our concerns into account before making changes. RFCA have been  especially helpful with securing  funding for sensible flooring upgrades throughout the ground floor. I would also like to pass on my appreciation to RFCA for the extra funding that was made available for the Lived Experience Project which will provide an outside space for staff and Officer Cadets to utilise all year round.

Commenting on the project, Kyle Houston, Head of Estates, RFCA NI said “This well needed project has brought great improvements to the experience of Visitors, Cadets, Guards and those who work on site as well as our neighbours,  who now have a safe to use playground. The collaboration and positive attitude of all those at Tyrone House and our partnering contractor Cairnduff and Sons made this a great project to be involved in. My thanks to Gillian Houston our Estates Project Officer for her diligence and eye for detail that has left us with an excellent finished product. The project was funded by RFCA with a small contribution from 38 Irish Brigade