On 21 August, Fire Authority Members came together to find out the latest about the project to rebuild Crowthorne Fire Station.
Attendees included the Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Councillor Colin Dudley, Vice-Chairman, Councillor Pauline Helliar-Symons, Councillor Angus Ross, Councillor Tony Linden and Councillor Dexter Smith.
Once work is complete, Crowthorne Fire Station will become Royal Berkshire’s second tri-service station, with all three blue light services operating from one site, providing a shared base for Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service supporting a closer partnership working. A bookable community room has been designed within the new station, for members of the public or local community groups to use.
Councillor Angus Ross, Lead Member for Strategic Assets, said: “It’s great to come together with fellow Fire Authority Members to see the rebuild progressing at such a pace. The old fire station was no longer fit for purpose and the new one will provide a contemporary facility for modern firefighters that live and work in the local area.
“While the work is ongoing, I would like to thank the local residents and businesses for their patience during the construction. We anticipate that work will be complete next summer providing a fire station truly at the heart of the fantastic community that it serves.”
Work began in May 2019 and four months into the project, demolition of the old site is complete and the new structure is starting to take shape, which can be seen from the high street.
While works take place at Crowthorne, the local firefighters will continue to provide a swift and effective response to emergencies from an alternative local location.
It is anticipated that the work will be complete by summer 2020. Please be aware that this timescale is indicative.
Below is a video showing the progress of the rebuild project from May to August 2019.