HLM, a leading design and architecture practice
with studios in Belfast, has embarked upon a new project with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
(RBFRS).

An impressive ground breaking ceremony at Crowthorne Community Fire Station has started the redevelopment of the
current fire station facilities to create the second tri-service station in
Berkshire. Directed by HLM’s Head of Emergency Service, Steven Lennon, the HLM
design team is leading the complete design project for the rebuild, including
interior and landscape design.

The project is part of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority’s Capital Investment
programme. A vital focus of the new
design is to provide a recognisable property brand across the Service
area.  The new station will provide a
base for all three blue light services, as well as, much needed community
accessible facilities in the heart of the village.

The most important outcome for the design is
having a fit for purpose facility that support the role of a modern
firefighter, as well as the local community that they serve. The design of the
new station ensures that operational requirements and processes have been incorporated
into the building around them. This has been achieved through the inclusion of a
two-vehicle appliance bay, which will support emergency response. There is also
a compact gym that demonstrates the understanding and importance of fitness
standards for firefighters.

To create a building for
all, HLM has designed a community room within the new station, to be used by
local community groups. In recognition of the importance of local community
involvement, members of the public were invited to the ground breaking ceremony
to learn more about the project.

Steven Lennon, Head of Emergency Services, HLM, said,
“We are always delighted to work with RBFRS to develop leading fire stations in
keeping with contemporary development in the emergency services sector. As well
as being lead designers, we are also creating the interiors and landscaping for
the project. Crowthorne Community Fire
Station will become a strong focal point for all, focusing on the technology
requirements and response times for firefighters, and also considering the
needs of the local community.  

Alex Brown, Head of
Property Capital Projects & Estates at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue
Service said, “HLM have clearly demonstrated their expertise within the
emergency services sector and more specifically in fire station design.  We have enjoyed working closely with the team
to develop the design and requirements of Crowthorne Community Fire Station and
we look forward to opening the new building.”

This
is HLM’s second Tri-Service (on-call) Community Fire Station, working in
partnership with RBFRS, having previously designed Hungerford Community Fire
Station in 2017.

HLM offers expertise across
five disciplines including Architecture, Interior Design,
Landscape Architecture, Environmental and Masterplanning. It has studios in Belfast, London,
Sheffield, Glasgow, Cardiff and Manchester, as well as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For more information on HLM visit www.hlmarchitects.com and follow @HLMArchitects on Twitter.