Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is pleased to announce that plans to redevelop the Service’s Training Centre in Whitley Wood have been approved by Reading Borough Council.
The facility was originally scheduled to be redeveloped in 2025 but was brought forward following a significant internal flood in 2022, where the damage was beyond economical repair.
The approved plans will see the demolition of the existing Training Centre and an aging office cabin. These will be replaced by a single two-storey, modular building.
The new building will feature modern construction methods and materials, sustainability features such as Solar Panels and Electric vehicle charging points as well as significant upgrades to support a more diverse workforce.
The decision to invest in this facility demonstrates the commitment of the Fire Authority to deliver the highest standards of training to firefighters in Royal Berkshire to support keeping both staff and our communities safer.
Speaking on the redevelopment, Mark Arkwell, Deputy Chief Fire Officer said: “We’re delighted that the plans for our Training Centre at Whitley Wood have been approved by Reading Borough Council.
“The upgrades have been required for several years and this redevelopment is a key feature of our longer-term commitment to modernise our facilities across Berkshire – bringing them up to an appropriate standard for a modern and effective fire and rescue service.”
Premier Modular Limited has been chosen to design, manufacture and install the new building and, by electing to use a modular building, the Service has been able to reduce the cost, both financial and environmentally, of the build as well as keep disruption to a minimum to neighbours and critical training demands.
Councillor Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey, Strategic Assets and Sustainability Lead of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “I was pleased to hear that our application to build a new Training Centre at Whitley Wood was approved by Reading Borough Council.
“The planned building demonstrates the Fire Authority’s continued commitment to investing in our Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that it remains effective, sustainable and ready to serve communities across Berkshire.”
Work on the new Training Centre is due to begin imminently with completion and opening expected in summer 2025.
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For more information please visit: https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/children-and-young-people/fire-cadets/
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