Joint Bands School at Sandhurst

Our team of defence sector specialists have delivered a flagship new home for Army musicians at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

The purpose-built facility gives 54 musicians serving in British Army Band Sandhurst an exceptional acoustic environment for rehearsals, performances and musical collaboration.

Part refurbishment, part new-build

As well as an element of new build, we undertook extensive refurbishment of former stables dating from c1850 alongside old offices to deliver an instrument store, music library, offices, rehearsal rooms, changing rooms, and a crew room. The facility also has sustainable features, with two of the blocks being installed with solar panels and heat source pumps.

This first-class facility will support the musician's work delivering performances such as passing out parades and Sovereign’s parades.

The Joint Bands School project, which began in February 2023, was delivered with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), with our team also working with Pick Everard. It was funded under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme, which is investing £3.35Bn over 10 years to improve living, working and training accommodation for soldiers.

What people are saying:

Debs Thorne, Joint Bands School Programme Manager:

“This project is a fantastic example of the significant investment underway across the Army estate, to support military training and future capability through delivery of modern, sustainable infrastructure. I have been really impressed by the quality of the finished buildings and I trust that the British Army Band Sandhurst will soon feel at home in their new, purpose-built music facility.”

Aleksia Xhaferraj, DIO’s Project Manager:

“We are proud to have delivered this new purpose-built facility, which will bring significant benefits to Army musicians. The successful completion of this project is testament to excellent collaboration between DIO, the Army and our contractors.”

Richard Poulter, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon:

“We take great pride in our contribution to the creation of this cutting-edge facility, dedicated to those who serve our nation. The building is truly exceptional, and I hope that the musicians find inspiration and flourish within the space.”

The DEO Army programme of work makes up a large proportion of the overarching DEO Portfolio, which is investing £5.1bn in infrastructure across the Defence estate.

The British Army Band Sandhurst

The band comprises of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music and is one of 15 Regular Army Bands in the British Army. Based in Surrey, the Sandhurst Band is a 54-piece symphonic wind band which includes a string quartet.

The Band’s primary outputs are to support State Ceremonial and Public Duties, commemorative, celebratory and repatriation events, provide Defence contribution to UK influence at home and overseas, and support to the UK through community engagement and events. Although cap-badged The Royal Corps of Army Music, the band is affiliated to The Royal Logistic Corps and The Royal Corps of Signals.