A review that could decide the future of one of Yorkshire’s landmark military buildings once and for all is scheduled to take place later this year.
Somme Barracks and Drill Hall has occupied a prominent site on Sheffield’s Glossop Road since 1907 but is currently only home to the city’s detachment of Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment.
With the building’s condition rapidly deteriorating, the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber is eager for a definitive decision on the future of the barracks.
Value for money
It is planning to engage property consultants to carry out a value for money exercise, setting out costed options for the site.
“Somme is a considerable piece of estate and would need considerable investment to bring it up to the standard needed for it to function as a fully working home for reserves,” said the RFCA’s head of estates Ian Hardbattle.
“It’s potential disposal has been discussed as an option for years. However, with a review of all reserve estate currently under way, now is the time to look at the options available and their costs so that a definitive decision can be made.”
A similar exercise is to be conducted for Hull’s Mona House, another substantial site which is now the base for just a single cadet detachment.