Crowthorne Fire Station is set to undergo a complete re-build to deliver a contemporary fire station. As part of this, Wellington College will be providing an alternative responding location for the firefighters, enabling them to continue to serve Crowthorne village and the surrounding areas.
The on-call crew and fire engine are anticipating relocation around Easter 2019, with the works due to be complete towards the end of the summer 2020.
Resilient arrangements are in place between Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) and Wellington College to ensure that a swift and effective response is maintained to all emergencies by the fire and rescue service during the re-location.
Councillor Angus Ross, Lead Member for Strategic Asset Management, said: “This relocation is a crucial element of the re-build project as it enables our firefighters to continue to serve their local community, whilst the re-build is underway for a fit-for-purpose station. We are delighted that Wellington College are providing our crew with the facilities to continue to serve the people of Crowthorne and neighbouring towns and villages.
“Historically, people have thought that firefighters respond to fires and that’s it, but the role of the firefighter is much more nowadays, so it is fitting that Crowthorne will be re-built to provide modern facilities for modern firefighters.
“Now, fire stations are rightly seen as being at the heart of local communities, so it is fantastic that we have been able to work with the local community to provide a suitable alternative location in the village for the duration of the work.”
Julian Thomas, Master of Wellington College, commented: “The students and staff at Wellington College are excited about this opportunity to forge new links with the Crowthorne community. Service is important to Wellington; it is part of our DNA. Our students benefit enormously from their regular interactions with members of the local community and we are looking forward to playing our part in helping the Crowthorne firefighters to continue their excellent work.”
The completion of the first tri-service community fire station in Berkshire last year at Hungerford follows a shared commitment to collaborate on property sharing and co-location with blue light partners. It is anticipated that Crowthorne will be the second, with plans that include provision for Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service to operate alongside RBFRS. This collaborative approach extends beyond blue light services and this is showcased with this re-location to within the Wellington College grounds.
A key priority in the planning of the re-build has been to include facilities for community use. A community room has been designed within the new station, which will be available for use by members of the public or local community groups.
During the relocation, the firefighters will be housed in part of the Grounds unit within the College boundary.
Please be aware that the relocation and re-build timescales are indicative.