Broxhead House has stood at the heart of strategic leadership for over a century, from Victorian-era military command to today’s thriving business innovation centre in Hampshire.
Victorian Beginnings
Louisburg Barracks: built for excellence
Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, Louisburg Barracks was designed to house Field Artillery Regiments on over 20 hectares of Hampshire countryside. The grand Broxhead House served as quarters for the Commanding General Officer and later the Brigade Commander, establishing a tradition of leadership and strategic planning that continues today.
The Victorian architecture reflected the military’s commitment to both function and dignity – values that remain central to BASE Bordon’s identity as a place where serious business gets done in distinguished surroundings.
Military Heritage
Through war and peace
World War era
During the Second World War, Louisburg Barracks expanded its mission, hosting:
- Two artillery regiments
- A veterinary hospital for artillery horses
- Canadian Army headquarters
- Strategic planning operations
- The Officers’ Mess became a crucial gathering place where military leaders planned operations, shared intelligence, and built the camaraderie essential for mission success.
Post-war service
After 1945, Broxhead House transformed into the Officers’ Mess for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Territorial Army – a place for military personnel to dine, socialise, and maintain the professional relationships vital to effective leadership.
The Heritage Quarter
Part of Bordon's renaissance
When the Ministry of Defence relocated in 2015, the former Louisburg Barracks became the heart of “The Heritage Quarter” – a £1 billion regeneration project designed to transform Whitehill & Bordon into a thriving 21st-century community.
BASE Bordon represents Phase Four of this transformation, demonstrating how historic preservation and modern innovation can create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Regeneration achievements:
- New relief road connecting the community
- Hundreds of new homes occupied
- Future Skills Centre operational
- BASE Bordon Innovation Centre established
- Continued development of the Digital Enterprise Zone
Architectural Heritage
Victorian grandeur preserved
The restoration of Broxhead House carefully preserved the building’s most distinguished features while adapting spaces for modern business needs.
Preserved elements:
- Original Gable Wall – now forming the backdrop to our Secret Garden
- Grand Hall – transformed into our collaborative business lounge
- Victorian Windows – providing natural light throughout workspaces
- Period Doorways – maintaining historic character in office areas
- Structural Timber – exposed beams celebrating craftsmanship
Modern adaptations:
- High-speed fibre infrastructure
- Climate control systems
- Modern security and access control
- Contemporary meeting room technology
- Accessible facilities throughout
History revitalised
See the how we’ve transformed BASE Bordon into a modern business innovation hub.
Community Testimonial
Respecting our past, building our future
We promised the community that our 21st century town would respect and retain as many of its historical buildings as possible. The former Officers’ Mess in Broxhead House has always been an iconic local landmark and it is great that it has been given a new lease of life, bringing high value jobs back into the heart of the area.”
Councillor Ferris Cowper East Hampshire District Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Whitehill & Bordon
Continue the Legacy
Become part of our story
Join the distinguished tradition of leadership, strategy, and excellence that has defined Broxhead House for over a century.