Rolling Programme of works at RAF Lakenheath
R G Carter have been fortunate to secure and deliver over £40m of construction works at the United States Visiting Forces (USVF) RAF Base at Lakenheath over the last 4 years, with a large future pipeline of works coming forward.
Due to the nature of the works, and the sensitivity around the base’s operations, there were initially a number of key protocols which needed to be met and protocols which needed digesting by the entire project team before undertaking any work, particularly when working airside. This included our team having to acquire USAF Restricted Area Badges AF 11990 and Non-CMA Certificates of Competency for taxiway and airside driving. Our staff were also provided with escorting privileges which have enabled us to manage, and coordinate supply-chain deliveries and operatives to facilitate access to the work areas.
Other protocols include obtaining permits to work, AF103 permits, construction and airfield waivers/ insurances, QDR arcs and restrictions that are imposed during the work. Consideration prior to and during the works needs to be given to certain areas of the base being under a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, with important Ecological and Archaeological zones also being present, and the need for surveys prior to work commencing and watching briefs to ensure compliance with legislation.
Additionally, when working within any part of the base we obtain HERO permits from Weapons Safety, this requires us to provide specification and details of all transmitter equipment to be used on a project, so frequency levels can be checked and approved prior to project commencement and equipment use. We have also independently commissioned a UXO Risk Assessment of the whole base and carried out third party watching briefs during excavation works in certain areas of high to moderate risk zones, which this project falls in so that any reactive works that need to be undertaken can be done so without the risk of discovering a UXO.
Bridging the Skills Gap at RAF Lakenheath
Our team working at RAF Lakenheath are passionate about educating the future generation and employing apprentices to support in bridging the gap on trades within the industry. To date, we have employed three apprentices/management trainees, who have either been promoted since joining or are still undertaking their apprenticeships with us. This includes:
- Nicole Lankester – has completed her first year as a Project Management Trainee
- Darrell Theobald – was previously a labourer working on our small general works before joining as a Site Management Trainee. Darrell is now a Site Manager, responsible for delivering his own projects at RAF Lakenheath
- Adam Emery – has recently commenced his carpentry apprenticeship with us on all RAF Lakenheath projects and is proving to be a valuable member of our team
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Completed projects at RAF Lakenheath through the Scape Regional Construction Framework.
The types of work we undertake comprise a variety of construction projects including extensions, new builds, refurbishments, and upgrades to existing facilities, demonstrating the breadth of works being delivered on the base to keep it fully operational.
B1082 TOILET & B1345 OFFICE REFURBISHMENT
The scheme encompassed revitalising and rejuvenating the existing reception areas and public toilets as the current facilities were dated and in need of revamping, whilst the rest of the building remained operational.
Once complete the building provided a new accessible and baby changing public toilet, making it multi-purpose for all visitors along with better access to the reception for visitors, making Building 1082 more inviting to its intended users.
Completion Date – February 2022
F35 TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATION FACILITY
R G Carter carried out the initial enabling work including foundations, main service supplies and installation of a Temporary Modular Admin Facility building of approximately 33m x 12m consisting of an open plan office for 50 base personnel, server room, single occupant office, break out room and facility toilets. The work was carried out just off taxiway, with stringent processes followed which airfield construction waivers and crane permits including lifting plans, crane specifications and lifting heights being required. The temporary unit itself was delivered to site in 11 sections and directly craned onto cast concrete pads. Detailed co-ordination with Airfield Management and base Security Forces was required as access was along the perimeter road and taxiway, our non-CMA driving permit escorts ensured safe delivery and that all protocols were followed.
Completion: July 2022
HOOCH CAR PARK EXTENSION
We were provided with a brief to expand the existing gravel car park to provide additional space for the growing base and upgrade it to a macadam hard surfaced car park. We worked with the client to determine the best possible solutions which provided the optimum number of additional parking spaces. The solution comprised an additional 800sqm of hard standing, encompassing 12-15 parking spaces lined out. As part of the scope, we undertook a 4-week archaeological dig to which uncovered an old burial ground and prepared it ahead of laying the hard standing.
Completion: July 2021
B1036 Ex-MOD POLICE BUILDING REFURBISHMENT
The client identified that B1036 was in poor condition and not able to be used by personnel in its current state. We were appointed to strip back the building internally to its core and refurbish it both externally and internally into usable office space for multiple units on the base. The work is comprised of typical refurbishment works such as the replacement of windows, doors and floors, upgrading to the existing MEP services, decorations, reconfiguration etc. to provide a building which was fit-for-purpose. During the construction, there was the requirement for changes in the design to accommodate for the change in occupants. This was managed collaboratively with the client and maintained the momentum on the programme to achieve the same completion date.
Completion: August 2023
B934 DINING FACILITY REFURBISHMENT
This existing dining facility needed an upgrade as the existing building was looking tired. We were appointed to undertake a full refurbishment to the kitchen and servery area. Works included breaking out the existing flooring and replacing it with new, installation of a new servery counter, white rock, MEP upgrades and more.
To accommodate for the work to be undertaken, the existing users had to temporarily vacate the building. In addition to this, we also decorated the dining hall simultaneously, providing a completely revitalised dining facility for the base. All works were completed within a 20-week construction period.
Completion: August 2024
Lastly, we have successfully managed our waste created while working at RAF Lakenheath by diverting 98.18% of all waste from landfill across all the projects delivered, which is a great testament to the team for their collaborative approach to reuse and recycle materials, where possible.
We have been working with R G Carter for a while now to upgrade, refurbish and build on the USVF base here at RAF Lakenheath. The works to date have been delivered to a high-quality and communication between all parties has always been clear and transparent. The works being carried out are not only benefitting the local economy but also providing crucial and much-needed facilities to ensure our core operations run smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
We look forward to continuing working together on future projects.
