Mott MacDonald supports delivery of new £10M Regimental Headquarters

Mott MacDonald has played a key role in the successful delivery of a new £10M Regimental Headquarters for 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) in Dunfermline.

Appointed as the technical service provider, Mott MacDonald delivered full multi-disciplinary design services and supported the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (Highland RFCA) Estates team throughout the project.

Officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the new facility consolidates the Regimental Headquarters of 154 (Scottish) Regiment RLC, 239 (Fife) Transport Squadron, and the Dunfermline Detachment of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force. The single, modern Army Reserve Centre (ARC) is a strategic move that has enabled the disposal of a redundant site, streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency across the Volunteer Estate.

In 2022, Mott MacDonald was appointed to provide technical expertise to ensure the project met the Army’s requirements and sustainability goals. Henry Brothers was awarded the contract to design and build the new ARC and demolish the existing Bruce House.

During initial groundworks, hazardous materials were discovered, requiring additional remediation and archaeological scanning. All potentially contaminated soil was safely removed and replaced, ensuring the site was fully prepared for development.

The new ARC includes a large open-plan office space, drill hall, mess areas, industrial kitchen, bathrooms and shower rooms, transit accommodation, server and plant rooms. Sustainability was a central focus of the design, with the facility featuring all-electric infrastructure, energy-efficient air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging points.

At the official opening, The Princess Royal, colonel-in-chief of the Royal Logistic Corps, met with members of the Regiment, building contractors, Mott MacDonald and Highland RFCA staff.

“This project presented a unique opportunity to demonstrate our ability to adapt quickly and deliver innovative, future-proof solutions,” said Mott MacDonald defence portfolio delivery lead, Susannah Gregory. “As one of the first developments in Scotland to respond to the 2023 building regulations, we had to completely rethink the energy strategy - moving away from gas, redesigning the heating system from the ground up and integrating renewable technologies.

Working closely with Highland RFCA and Henry Brothers, we delivered a design that meets operational needs while supporting wider sustainability goals. The result is a step change in infrastructure quality, one that will significantly enhance how the team works day to day, enabling more efficient, confident and resilient service delivery.

As part of the project, partners undertook a number of social value initiatives, led by Henry Brothers. These included donating picnic tables for use in parks close to the ARC, welcoming construction students from Fife College for a tour of the site and taking part in outreach initiatives at local primary and secondary schools.

Funded by The Army, the project reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening the Reserve Forces and supporting their vital role in the UK’s defence capabilities.