THE NEW Crowthorne fire station is starting to take shape, and on Wednesday an update on the works was presented to various local leaders.
On Wednesday, Fire Authority members visited the village to find out more about the project to convert the station into Berkshire’s second tri-service station, with police, ambulance and fire crews all operating from the site.
And there will also be community rooms available for use by local groups and members of the public.
The project is a joint initiative between the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service along with Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service aimed at supporting a closer partnership working.
Work began in May following a groundbreaking ceremony and during the works, the fire crews are using a temporary base in Wellington College.
It is anticipated that the project will be completed by this time next year, assuming everything goes to plan.
Wokingham Without ward councillor Angus Ross is also Lead Member for Strategic Assets on the Fire Authority.
He 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 completed next summer providing a fire station truly at the heart of the fantastic community that it serves.”
Attendees at last week’s briefing included the Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Cllr Colin Dudley, Vice-Chairman, Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, Cllr Angus Ross, Cllr Tony Linden and Cllr Dexter Smith.