Brief
Since 2010, Concertus has been working closely with Suffolk Fire & Rescue and Suffolk Constabulary on an initiative to achieve greater collaboration between the blue light services in the county.
The client’s main objective was to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the police and fire services by bringing police and fire emergency services together under one roof. This would provide the services with shared environments that facilitate streamlined operations, collaborative working, and subsequent cost savings. This project is one of the final collaboration stations being completed under this programme of works, providing shared facilities for the police and fire services within Stowmarket.
Key Info
Type:
New Build
Value:
£3.5 million
Location:
Stowmarket, Suffolk
Client:
Suffolk County Council – Fire & Rescue, and Suffolk Constabulary
Contractor:
Morgan Sindall
Completion:
March 2023
Contract Type:
JCT Standard Building Contract without Quantities, 2016 Edition
Disciplines:
Architecture, Building Services Design, Estates + Development Management, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Structural + Civil Engineering
Imagery
Scope
The project utilises the knowledge we have built up whilst working with the client and emergency services over the past eleven years on the blue light programme.
This has led to the production of a standard of specification that will provide a building which delivers a fit for purpose working environment which satisfies the Fire and Police service’s practical working needs. Our knowledge and experience acquired over the course of the programme has evolved and developed by working closely with the client to understand their essential security and IT requirements, and operational dependencies.
Concertus were involved from the beginning of this project, assisting the client in identifying the appropriate site and how best it could be developed through feasibility studies. The chosen site for the new station is located in an industrial area with close links to residential areas. This was chosen to ensure quick and easy access for the emergency services. The new build station has been designed to include offices and relevant facilities for each service, shared spaces, a multi-use room, specialist police divisions, and a training tower for the fire service. The associated external works included two vehicle appliance bays, a 50 space police car park, and a 16 space visitor car park.
In-line with Suffolk County Council’s Net Zero 2030 commitment, the design ethos focuses on sustainability. An important requirement from the client included in the external works is the installations of electric vehicle charging points (14 charging points, including public visitor area). The site is fully electric, including LED lighting, PV cells/ solar panels, air source heat pumps and under floor heating, which all maximise the energy efficiency of the building reducing future energy costs for the client.
An important requirement from the client, included in the external works, was the installation of electric vehicle charging points. This, along with PV cells, air source heat pumps, and underfloor heating, will improve the sustainability of the project and reduce future energy costs for the client.
Result
Our efficient and collaborative approach to the project has ensured its smooth running of the recently completed project.
We have worked hard to overcome any challenges and ensure we consistently meet the client’s expectations and requirements. The completed station provides modern and functional accommodation for the Police and on call Fire services within Stowmarket to facilitate the client’s vision for greater collaboration between the services.