The Royal Artillery Barracks, home to the Royal Artillery, is located at Woolwich in southeast London. It is known for being the longest building facade and largest parade square in the UK. The Barracks was built between 1776 and 1802. Woolwich has long associations with weaponry and arm forces and still been called as military training ground even though there are hardly any troops seen in the premises these days. Apart from the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich also has Royal Arsenal complex. Due to its historic associations with arms and weaponry, the Royal Artillery Barracks becomes perfect backdrop for Paralympic Shooting and Paralympic Archery competitions for London Summer Olympics 2012. However, the shooting events will be held at the temporary venue inside the Barracks. Post the London Games, the shooting hall would be tacked together elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Initially, the shooting events were supposed to be hosted in the National Shooting Centre at Bisley, Surrey. However, the plan was dropped after the authorities had reservations in hosting the games outside London.
Fast Facts
Sport Events Shooting, Paralympic Shooting, Paralympic Archery
Location Woolwich Common in south east London, near to the World Heritage site, Greenwich Park
New or Existing New
Permanent or Temporary Temporary
Number of Events 36 Events
The Royal Artillery Barracks 2012 London Olympics
The Royal Artillery Barracks is a newly built sports ground, especially for Summer Olympics 2012. The parade ground of the Royal Artillery Barracks has a seating capacity for 7500 spectators with temporary spectator grandstands. Four temporary indoor ranges are under construction for Pistol and Rifle Shooting with outdoor shotgun ranges for trap and skeet events. The construction work began in May 2011 and workforce employed for its construction has been doubled and nearly 6000 workers are involved in the construction of the stadium. With a budget of £18 millions, the construction of indoor ranges is being funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, London Development Agency, the Mayor of London and the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor. Paralympic archery, London International, ISSF World Cup Shooting will be held from April 18 -May 6, 2012 as a part of test event. The Royal Artillery Barracks will hold a total of 36 events.
During The Game
The Royal Artillery Barracks will host Shooting, Paralympic Shooting and Paralympic Archery during London Summer Olympics 2012. The schedule for shooting is from July 28 - Aug 6, 2012. Paralympic shooting will be held from Aug 30 - Sep 4, 2012. Paralympic archery will take place from Aug 30 - Sep 5, 2012. The Royal Artillery Barracks provides over 7,500 seating capacity for spectators and fans will be able to watch the events from temporary grandstands erected at each shooting range. Paralympic shooting is a shooting sport developed for athletes with disabilities. This shooting sport consists of pistol and rifle events. There are three events each for men and women, and six mixed events. Athletes contest in rifle and pistol events from distances of 10, 25 and 50 meters in all women's, men's and mixed competitions.
After The Game
Talks are on between London 2012 and government and several key parties to explore the possibilities of using sports equipment and the venue in the future. The Barracks will either remain as a barrack ground or become a future sports ground. However, the shooting hall will undergo reassembling and restructuring for future use.
How To Reach The Venue
The Royal Artillery Barracks is located in Artillery Place, Woolwich, London. Although Woolwich is not connected by London Underground Network, it can be easily accessed via National Rail, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), river, and bus. The spectator entrance will be situated on the eastern end of the venue, off the Ha-Ha Road and Grand Depot Road.
Some Interesting Facts
For shooting enthusiasts, the Royal Artillery Barracks is a must visit during London Summer Olympics 2012 as it is set to be the venue for Shooting, Paralympic Shooting and Paralympic Archery.
The Royal Artillery Barracks
- The Barracks were built in the year 1776 and was the “home” of the Royal Artillery.
- After the Games, the recently set-up open-air and three enclosed ranges will be dismantled and the place will be handed over to the Ministry of Defence.
The Royal Artillery Barracks with its historic association with weapons and artillery is now set to host Shooting, Paralympic Shooting and Paralympic Archery competitions for London Summer Olympics 2012. The Royal Artillery Barracks makes a perfect setting for shooting enthusiasts to view their favorite sports.