Carter Jonas has been appointed by Royal British Legion Industries (“RBLI”) as its Estates Advisor to provide expert strategy, planning, architectural and development advice. The vision is to create greater capacity across the organisation’s 70 acre estate in Kent to ensure that more former armed forces personnel can benefit from RBLI’s care and retraining services.

Carter Jonas will look at how RBLI can modernise and increase the intensification of use to get the most out of its existing facilities, as well as assisting with the organisation’s expansion so it can help even more individuals. In 2015/16, RBLI reached over 10,000 beneficiaries – those who have served with or have a connection to the British Armed Forces, but also others affected by disability, health conditions or social welfare needs – every year by providing a range of accommodation, welfare support and care services.

Activity is already underway at the renowned Royal British Legion Village in Aylesford, Kent, where RBLI currently provides housing for approximately 600 people in accommodation ranging from one bedroom apartments and family house to assisted living schemes. RBLI has started construction on 24 new apartments for veterans and commissioned the extension of Gavin Astor House, its high dependency nursing facility, which will deliver 12 new care suites. However, these two projects are just the first step in delivering RBLI’s vision and Carter Jonas will play an active role in identifying more challenging future projects.

James Rudoni, director of RBLI Living said: “The modernisation and expansion of our estate is part of our long term vision to ensure we are well placed to provide ongoing help and support to armed forced personnel. We have already undertaken two projects to increase the residential capacity at the Royal British Legion Village and will now turn our attention to more challenging projects that will transform our services. Carter Jonas’ multidisciplinary offering and extensive experience working with third sector organisations meant that it was the natural partner to help us deliver our ambitious plans as we come up to our centenary in 2019.”

Ian Southall, partner and head of central government, Carter Jonas, said: “It is an honour to be trusted with delivering the ambitious vision of such an important and highly regarded organisation. Royal British Legion Industries provides essential support to the men and women who have served for our country. By driving efficiencies across the estate and looking at new expansion opportunities, we will work with the organisation to transform its service so it is in a position to help even more people in the future with their residential, rehabilitation and retraining needs.”