Delivering modern, resilient fire stations
THE ASPIRATION
Modernising fire stations for the future
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) set out to transform its estate of fire stations and training facilities to meet the evolving needs of a modern fire and rescue service. Much of the estate dated from the 1960s–70s and no longer met today’s standards for operations, safety or inclusivity.
A key priority was to align the estate with modern values around equality, diversity and inclusion, address growing concerns about contaminants, support sustainability goals and foster deeper community engagement. From new builds to refurbishments, each project needed to balance these ambitions while maintaining 24/7 operational capability.
OUR RESPONSE
Expert multidisciplinary delivery
Our relationship with RBFRS began in 2016 with the redevelopment of Hungerford Community Fire Station – the first scheme in their estate transformation programme. This complex project involved reconfiguring the station to accommodate not only the fire and rescue service, but also Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service, setting a benchmark for future collaborative, community-focused facilities.
We were later appointed under RBFRS’s Strategic Asset Investment Framework to provide full multidisciplinary support across their capital programme, from minor refurbishments to full station rebuilds. Our services have included Project and Cost Management, Architecture, MEP and Structural Engineering, and Sustainability Consultancy.
At the Service’s Learning and Development Centre in Reading, we oversaw the demolition of outdated facilities and delivery of a modern, two-storey modular building. Off-site construction minimised disruption to training, and the scheme is aiming to achieve BREEAM Very Good, supporting RBFRS’s sustainability objectives.
At Crowthorne Community Fire Station, we managed the demolition and rebuild on a space-constrained site. To maintain 24/7 operations, we designed and delivered a temporary fire station within the grounds of Wellington College, repurposing an existing facility to house appliances and crews – enabling uninterrupted service throughout construction.
For Slough Fire Station, we delivered extensive refurbishments to meet RBFRS’s goals around EDI, contamination control and improved working conditions, overcoming tight spatial constraints and unexpected structural issues during delivery.
Across all projects, our team has adapted to RBFRS’s dynamic needs, maintaining live operations while delivering high-quality, future-fit infrastructure.
THE RESULT
High-performing, inclusive and resilient spaces
We have successfully delivered future-fit, operationally robust facilities that reflect RBFRS’s brand and strategy. From improved layouts to energy-efficient systems and accessible public spaces, each scheme supports a safer, more inclusive and more sustainable service environment.
THE LASTING IMPACT
Built to serve people and communities
Our work has helped RBFRS bring their estate vision to life, modernising facilities, embedding community access and supporting cultural change. Through close collaboration and a deep understanding of their operational needs, we’ve become a trusted extension of their team, helping create places that support their people and protect their communities.
Find out more about our multidisciplinary approach.
