ISG Jackson has secured a £4.1 million design & build project with Bedfordshire & Luton Fire & Rescue Services to construct a new fire station and training facility at Brewers Hill Road in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. A key aim of the new development is to enable the fire service to forge closer links with the local community and the first floor of the station features a large area set aside specifically for community use activities.

The location of the new facility is within an area of land that the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has earmarked for redevelopment within the town, the 0.8 ha former gas works site, and the station is set to play an integral role within this fast growing community. ISG Jackson has now commenced work on the two-storey steel frame building, which will provide traditional accommodation for the Fire & Rescue Service on the ground floor, including an internal garage with capacity for three fire appliances, as well as a library and study area, offices, a gym, locker room and muster area.

In addition to the community areas on the upper floor of the station, the contractor will also build a viewing patio, so that training activities can be observed from the main building. Flexible seminar and conference facilities will be created on this floor, alongside administrative offices, a prayer room and canteen. A three-storey fire training building will be constructed adjacent to the station, providing the service with modern on site training facilities.

Externally, the new station will feature large glazed areas, with attractive two tone brick work to the building’s façade. ISG Jackson will form a concrete yard and staff parking area, as well as a public car park for 35 vehicles adjacent to the facility. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2008.

Ian Gifford, director of ISG Jackson’s Public division, commented: “The new fire station in Dunstable has been purposefully designed to be an inclusive community facility, strengthening the service’s ties within the local area and providing modern meeting amenities for a range of community groups. This project is exceptionally forward thinking in helping to build a real sense of community and we are confident that on completion, Bedfordshire & Luton Fire & Rescue Services will boast a real best of breed facility.”

Email: nick.hann@isgplc.com