The NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institute) was built in 1947 with most of the structures of single-storey brick construction. The NAAFI closed in 1961 and was reopened as the Arena Club. Although much altered internally, the complex has overall retained its plan form.<1>

The NAAFI originated in 1921, evolving from the amalgamation of the Expeditionary Force Canteens (established in 1915 for the comfort of overseas troops in World War 1) and the Navy and Army Canteen Board (formed 1918 to serve troops at home). The typical barracks NAAFI provided cooked light meals and cold snacks, cakes, hot and cold drinks, beer; a shop-counter for necessities such as razors, cigarettes and Brasso; a restaurant with bar; a reading room with books, newspapers and headed notepaper for letters; a small stage for entertainments and announcements; and indoor activities such as billiards and board games. It would also host sporting activities and contests. The NAAFI used its own internal currency of NAAFI tokens and sold NAAFI own-brand products such as cigarettes.

The Colchester NAAFI was modernist in its design and materials, although not architecturally outstanding. What is surprising considering the scale of the building is that it had a relatively short existence as a NAAFI. Hansard records a House of Commons debate from 11th December 1963 which mentions the Colchester NAAFI having been unused for two and half years. Although the building remained in the ownership of the Ministry of Defence until recently disposed of to RMPA Services as part of the Colchester Garrison redevelopment, its conversion to a leisure centre is probably the main reason why the interior and exterior have been extensively altered since its construction, although its plan shape has remained predominantly unaltered.