Key numbers
Key numbers
Overview
In 2018, Equans stepped in following the collapse of Carillion to stabilise and enhance operations at The Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre (MPSTC) – a vital facility for firearms and public order training. The challenge was twofold: restore confidence and continuity in high-stakes police training, and embed a long-term strategy for resilience, sustainability and social impact.
Our work
Appointed by Service Support Gravesend Ltd (SSGL), we stepped in to manage the Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre. Our priority was to deliver stability, resilience and performance in a complex, high-pressure environment. Working in close partnership with and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), we put in place a collaborative model built on trust, transparency and aligned goals.
Our approach focused on enabling uninterrupted training operations, while embedding long-term sustainability and social value into every aspect of service delivery. From strategic asset management to daily site operations, we’ve introduced smarter systems, invested in digital solutions, and adapted to evolving needs - all while keeping officers, staff and the wider community at the heart of the programme.
Together we’ve delivered sector-leading innovation, including solar generation, EV infrastructure, biodiversity improvements and real-time building monitoring using our Equans Digital smart sensor technology. We’ve also shown resilience in action: during a major ground movement incident in 2023, a cross-partner task force was mobilised to maintain safe operations and avoid disruption - with training continuing after just one day.
With shared governance, joint planning and a commitment to continuous improvement, we’re helping ensure the MPS has a training environment fit for the future.
Impact
We have consistently exceeded expectations, delivering over 100,000 student training days annually - 30% above its original design capacity - while maintaining operational resilience, losing only a single training day during a significant geological incident.
A strong commitment to sustainability has led to a 15% reduction in utilities compared to the 2019 baseline, £250,000 in energy savings from solar generation and smart system upgrades, and 200 tonnes of CO₂ avoided.
Investment of £200,000 in catering and kitchen facilities has improved wellbeing and operational efficiency, while 100% of food and horse waste is recycled on‑site through the Rocket Composter.
Beyond operations, Equans contributes positively to the community, raising over £5,000 for charities and welcoming more than 1,200 attendees to Family Day each year, strengthening local connections.
The partnership at MPSTC is focused on long-term value, with strategic planning already underway to ensure a smooth transition ahead of contract expiry in 2028.
Key priorities include:
- Joint Handback Committee established to oversee early planning and deliver a structured Expiry Pathway
- Ongoing investment in sustainability with onsite composting capacity and biodiversity initiatives
- Enhanced digital delivery through lifecycle planning and leveraging Equans Digital solutions
- Continued social impact with plant to scale charitable outreach, volunteer activity, and community events
- Training excellence maintained, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of critical qualifications for specialist officers
- Sector knowledge sharing, including participation in best practice forums to support wider FM and PFI transitions
- Inclusive culture upheld, encouraging staff at all levels to shape the site’s legacy and future direction.
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
