Army barracks could be expanded for extra recruits

The War Office first acquired the land at Pirbright in 1875

The government is proposing to expand an Army barracks in Surrey as it seeks to increase the number of recruits being trained at the site.

Some 15,000 sq/m of the Alexander Barracks, Pirbright, would be demolished to make way for nearly 30,000 sq/m of new accommodation and other facilities.

The government's Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) said it would see the number of recruits increasing from 1,824 to 2,544.

Early discussions between the DIO and Guildford Borough Council are being carried out.

Alexander Barracks is an Army training centre for phase one initial soldier training.

It comprises administrative, service and training buildings, accommodation, hangars and garages.

The proposals include new single-living and junior accommodation blocks, a social area, gatehouse, a tailor, a gym, a pool and four new car parks.

They would also see the refurbishment of the training wing, laundry block, remedial gymnasium, medical and dental block and staff leadership school.

The DIO is seeking to increase capacity at Pirbright as training which is currently carried out at barracks in Winchester and Grantham will soon cease.

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