Interserve has began carrying out specialist repair work to Sandhurst's Grade 2 listed Royal Military Academy.

The £18 million renovation project for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is due to be completed in May 2016.

The contract was awarded to PriDE, a joint venture between Interserve and Scottish & South Energy Contracting.

Works involve replacing roof slates and the safe removal of approximately 3,000 square metres of asbestos from roof voids.

It also involves the deconstruction and rebuilding of 58 chimneys, which requires the use of 1,700 tonnes of scaffolding which would reach 3,200 kilometres if laid end to end.

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Interserve has put in place safe systems of work, including the provision of fire rated tunnels to withstand falls and protection around fire exits, as the work is being carried out while the college remains occupied.

A specialist fabric façade with a life-size image of how the building will look when work is completed is placed over the scaffolding during 'passing out' parades in order to conceal its unsightliness.

Interserve Site Manager, Owen Bax, said: "The volume and complexity of scaffolding required on this scheme are quite a challenge.

"So too is the necessity to protect as carefully as possible this historic building and its contents, which are part of Britain’s cultural heritage.

"Throughout the renovation process, we are safeguarding priceless memorabilia, including those located in the building’s ‘India Room’, and shielding unique stained glass windows from damage. This project really is one of a kind."

DIO Project Manager, Peter Lillywhite, said: "This is a unique building, so this project poses unique challenges - as well as the requirement to maintain operations while the work is done.

"We will be working closely with our Army customers, PriDE and Interserve to ensure this important work is finished to the high standards this historic landmark deserves."

(LM)