Construction has been completed on a state-of-the-art emergency hub which will provide a more efficient and effective fire service for the people of Wyre Forest.
Place Partnership has managed the construction of the 162,000 sq ft Wyre Forest Emergency Services Hub in Kidderminster, on behalf of its client the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS).
The project has seen the relocation of three existing fire stations in Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport to the new central hub to encourage greater collaboration between emergency response organisations and to drive cost savings.
The existing sites were in much need of improvements, were subject to higher annual running costs and couldn’t provide the quality of facilities which the new hub offers. Capital receipts from the sale of the three existing stations will be reinvested into front line services.
The new base includes a five bay fire station, a ‘hot’ training facility, a High Volume Water Pump (HVP) training area, a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) training ground and a three bay vehicle storage garage.
Associated welfare facilities for West Mercia Police and the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) have also been provided.
The development has been formed as part of the government backed One Public Estate (OPE) programme, which works with 300 councils on projects transforming local communities and public services nationally.
Managing Director for Place Partnership, Andrew Pollard, said: “The Wyre Forest Emergency Hub will benefit both the emergency services of Wyre Forest and the local community. It will aid collaboration between the fire, police and voluntary organisations, creating cost savings for the public purse and helping to generate investment in front line services.
“It’s an impressive facility which allows staff to train for a wide variety of different incidents in modern, purpose-built areas, and will encourage greater sharing of intelligence and ideas between the emergency services and voluntary organisations such as SARA.
“We’re delighted with the outcome of the project and to play a role in providing a facility which will positively impact the emergency services and the people living and working in the Wyre Forest region.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Hodges, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The new hub in Kidderminster provides opportunities for us to collaborate more closely with key emergency services and voluntary groups to continue to provide the very highest standards of community safety.
“These new facilities will have a hugely positive impact on our operational services, allowing us to provide the best training to our staff and use purpose-build training areas which would have been impossible to provide previously.
“We’re thrilled with the new facility which we are certain will bring great benefits to our staff and the people of Wyre Forest.”
McPhillips acted as principal contractor on the delivery of the new Hub.
