The Army Central Fund made a £7 million grant towards the development of The Soldiers’ Centre at the Army Training Centre (ATC) Pirbright — the largest single grant in the charity’s history. The purpose-built facility brings together welfare, retail and social spaces in one central location, supporting recruits undertaking initial training and providing a welcoming environment for families attending key moments such as passing out parades .
The Soldiers’ Centre has been designed to enhance the lived experience of recruits from the outset of their Army careers. By providing accessible spaces to relax, connect and access support, it helps to foster a sense of community and belonging during a demanding period of training. Alongside its role in supporting wellbeing, the facility also contributes to wider improvements in the training environment, forming part of a broader programme to modernise the estate and ensure it meets the needs of a modern Army.
By investing in high-quality, long-term infrastructure, the Army Central Fund has helped create a facility that will support successive generations of recruits and their families. The Soldiers’ Centre demonstrates the value of combining capital investment with a clear focus on people — improving wellbeing, strengthening morale and contributing to a more positive and sustainable experience of Army life.