Brompton Barracks – Officer's Mess | Roof Repairs & Renewal

Project Overview

We have recently been appointed to deliver the comprehensive repair and renewal of the roof at the Grade II* listed Officer's Mess at Brompton Barracks, Chatham. This is our second project for Babcock International Group and HOLDFAST Training Services Limited at the Royal School of Military Engineering Group Headquarters, reinforcing our established relationship and understanding of the site and its operational requirements.

‍

‍

The project represents a significant programme of lifecycle replacement and targeted improvements, designed to address long-standing defects and provide a robust, durable roofing solution that will minimise the need for future intervention. Subject to routine planned maintenance, the works are expected to provide a 15–20 year service life before significant further works are required.

Complex Roofing & Heritage Scope

The extensive and complex roof comprises a combination of slate-tiled pitched roofs, lead-lined valleys and box gutters, felt and asphalt flat roofs, together with painted metal open-grid maintenance walkways, access stairs and balustrades. The works also incorporate the repair and replacement of original cast-iron and modern PVCu rainwater goods, natural stone cornices and parapets, roof access hatches, three large glazed roof lanterns, rooflights and associated roof furniture and services.

‍

‍

The project will also address the redundant and condemned mansafe system, lightning protection, cowls, cables and minor electrical services, ensuring that the roof is not only watertight and structurally sound but also safe and accessible for future maintenance.

Complex Logistics & Temporary Works

We have already achieved a key project milestone, with the full scaffold installation completed within five days by AMA Scaffolding. Delivering this safely required extensive planning and coordination, particularly due to the proposed use of a 59-tonne crane within a sensitive historic environment.

Prior to the crane operation, we undertook Plate Load Testing and Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys to assess ground conditions and identify any potential underground vaults, voids or other subsurface structures associated with the historic site. Local aviation authorities were also notified in advance of the planned lifting operation. The results provided additional assurance that the crane set-up area was suitable for the proposed lifting activities and allowed the works to proceed safely and efficiently.

To further streamline the operation and minimise disruption, temporary roof beams were pre-constructed at ground level, allowing them to be efficiently lifted into position over the building. This approach reduced the duration of lifting activities and limited the impact on the client's operations.

Working Within a Live & Historic Environment

The Officer's Mess will remain fully operational throughout the project, and we are working closely with the client to ensure minimal disruption to scheduled events, formal occasions as well as day-to-day activities.

Our delivery strategy therefore places a strong emphasis on careful planning, stakeholder communication and proactive coordination. We are working closely with the client and site stakeholders to programme disruptive activities around key events, maintain safe access and minimise noise, disruption and impact on the building's ongoing operations.

Through a combination of specialist roofing expertise, sensitive heritage working, robust temporary works planning and carefully managed logistics, the project will deliver a long-term solution that protects the character of this important Grade II* listed building while significantly improving its performance, safety and maintainability.