New facility in Reading to train future firefighters planned

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a project to provide new training facilities at Whitley Wood fire station.

The project has been launched because the current training centre has been rendered unusable due to a water leak.

It will involve the demolition of the existing training building building and its replacement with a new facility.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “The proposed plan will see the construction of a two-storey modular building as well as several other improvements made across the site.

“The redevelopment of the Training Centre will broaden our learning and development capabilities, enhancing the quality of service that we offer to the people of Berkshire.

Elevation plans for the new training centre at Whitley Wood Fire Station. Credit: Premier Modular

“If the proposal is approved, we anticipate that the works should take approximately 12 months upon receipt of planning permission.

“In this time, we will do all we can to minimise any inconvenience to residents and businesses in the area surrounding the fire station whilst continuing to actively engage with the local community.”

The project also involves the removal of portacabin offices to be replaced with 11 car parking spaces, of which four will be electric vehicle charging points, with space for 10 bicycles as well.

The proposed site plan for Whitley Wood Fire Station. Credit: Ridge

Additionally, gas and fuel tanks used by the service would be relocated near the crash training compound.

You can view the project by typing reference 231841 into Reading Borough Council’s planning portal.