“Following a recommendation, the Army Sailing Association (ASA) approached Ryman Steel Buildings of which DPG Groundworks is their civils division, to assess the requirements at the ASA Inshore Sail Training Centre. Dan Parker visited to understand our goals thoroughly, questioning our intentions and objectives to ensure that they could provide us with a design and build solution for a large hanger that would replace our existing stores, workshop, and offer much-needed space for training.

Dan and his team, based in Gloucestershire, quickly submitted a proposal based on our outline planning drawings, after taking measurements of the site. We worked closely together to finalise the outline specification, which involved a bit of back-and-forth to ensure sensible adjustments were made. After reaching an agreement, they submitted a final proposal complete with clear program details, costs, and terms and conditions, all of which we agreed upon, allowing the project to move forward on schedule.

Our biggest concern was ensuring the smooth integration of the groundworks, hanger construction, and internal fit-out to provide enough space and logistical flow. These challenges were addressed through regular site meetings, with the groundworks’ foreman working closely alongside our site manager to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Once DPG had completed the groundworks, including the incorporation of an old slab, the steel delivery to site was handled swiftly by Ryman and construction began without delay. The building was constructed according to the agreed schedule, and while a few technical issues arose, the project team handled them quickly and effectively.

Throughout the project, we conducted regular site inspections with representatives of DPG and Ryman in attendance and maintained consistent communication with their highly efficient office team, especially when it came to stage payments and variations. The project was well-managed with strong financial controls, ensuring a smooth audit trail.

Despite being completed during a challenging winter period, the construction progressed efficiently, with a leak caused by the exposed site conditions being promptly resolved. The project was finished in January 2025 and, since then, the team has returned regularly to address any snags and defects.

The Army Sailing Association is entirely satisfied with the completed project. It fully meets our business needs and will provide a robust and efficient logistics centre for our sail training operations for years to come.”

Miles Wade CBE, Army Sailing Association Development Project Officer