The scheme for a new multi-million pound youth centre, designed by BDG architecture + design, for the Sea Cadets at Sheppey in Kent, has been submitted for planning permission to Swale Council. Plans include the demolition of existing buildings at Barton's Point Coastal Park, Sheerness and replacement with twin two-storey blocks which will include sleeping accommodation for 66 cadets.
The new buildings, inspired by boat hulls, will have stone and timber cladding with solar panels and pitched roofs. One block will house reception, administration, training and catering facilities on the ground with dormitories for 66 cadets above. The second will feature a boat workshop, garage for coastguard vehicles, teaching spaces, wardroom and a wet changing area.
The existing concrete barracks-style building on a former military firing range, dating back to wartime, has been used by the cadets since 1954 and can accommodate 40 but is cold and damp. The site is part of the Queen borough Lines ancient monument created in the 19th Century to defend Sheerness Naval Dockyard from the French.
Vice-chairman of Sheppey’s Sea Cadets, Andy Willmore said:
"This project has been in the making since 2016. Sheppey has become one of the major training centres for sea cadets learning to sail, row, sailboard and kayak in the south east. But our buildings are deteriorating and are difficult and expensive to maintain. They do not adequately support the cadets and fall below current standards of welfare and efficiency. The proposed building will provide brand new state of the art training, accommodation, adventure and event space for our cadets and hopefully for the rest of the community too. This will really put Sheppey on the map."
To find out more about the Isle of Sheppey Sea Cadets, click here