Plans approved to invest in refurbishment of Slough Fire Station

The Royal Berkshire Fire Authority has approved plans to invest in the refurbishment of Slough Fire Station.

The station in Tuns Lane has been identified among the authority’s sites as in need of refurbishment to support a modern fire and rescue service.

It will be the third in Berkshire to embark on a refurbishment programme following works at Bracknell Fire Station in 2022 and at Maidenhead Fire Station in 2023.

The scheme will look to make improvements across four phrases through:

W Establishing facilities that encourage, support and promote a more diverse workforce by replacing the shared dormitory with individuals rest and private study areas

W Creating new personal and equipment cleaning facilities to aid in minimising the occupational risk of exposure to contaminants, improving contamination control and decontamination.

W Making the estate more environmentally friendly through conducting improvements to reduce carbon output and reduce energy costs by introducing LED lighting and insulation upgrades

W Investing in the fabric of the buildings to ensure longevity of the current estate and to provide fit-for-purpose workplaces for staff members.

Following the approval, a contractor will now be formally appointed, and works are expected to start on site in November.

The refurbishment works are anticipated to be completed in July 2024.

Councillor Jeff Brooks, chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “This investment is a clear signal that the Fire Authority remains fully committed to ensuring firefighters have the right facilities to enable them to serve the communities of Berkshire.

“The works will provide a much-improved working environment for our current and future staff.

“This will bring our workplaces up to date to meet the needs of a modern fire and rescue service and our next generation of firefighters.

“I am delighted that the authority continues to upgrade our buildings and facilities where needed.”