The last module of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (RBFRS) new Training Centre building was hoisted into place earlier this week, marking a key milestone in the redevelopment project.
The modules, which were built and installed by Premier Modular Limited (PML), were transported to Whitley Wood from PML’s factory in the East Riding of Yorkshire earlier this month.
Starting on Monday, 18 November, the modules were then installed on-site throughout the week, with the last component being lifted into place by late Thursday (21 November) afternoon.
Paul Brooks, Head of Assets at RBFRS, said: “We are very pleased to have the new structure installed without having to stop the delivery of training for our firefighters or disrupting operational fire cover from the adjacent fire station.”
He continues: “Once fully completed and commissioned, this new Training Centre will ensure that we have access to modern, first-class and sustainable facilities to train and develop our firefighters, enabling them to continue to provide the high level of public service that residents of Berkshire enjoy.”
To mark the completion of the installation of the modules, the Service hosted a short ceremony at the site on Friday morning (22 November) attended by Yuan Yang MP, Councillor Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey and Councillor Lou Timlin. The guests were given an update on the project and were shown around the site by representatives from RBFRS, Ridge and PML.
Martin Irvine, Senior Business Development Manager at PML, said: “We are proud be delivering the new Training Centre for RBFRS and their community, who are truly embracing sustainable modular construction and trusting our expertise in the industry.
“It was great to see the local Member of Parliament, councillors and stakeholders come together to celebrate this key milestone in the project at Whitley Wood; it shows a great level of commitment to the community by all parties.”
With the structure now in place, work is underway to finalise the new building before the Service’s Training Centre staff move in next spring.
For more information please visit: https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/
About the Author
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service provides prevention, protection and response services across the county of Berkshire. 12 wholetime and six on-call fire stations cover 486 square miles, from Langley in the East to Lambourn in the West. It serves a diverse cultural population of 905,800, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
