Inverness Fire Station

Sector: Blue Light

Client: Scottish Fire and Rescue

Framework: SCAPE Scotland Construction

Budget: £1.8m

Completion: August 2023

Location: Inverness

"These improvements provide our firefighters with the modern facilities they need to work safely and deliver the highest level of service. They will benefit our local communities for years to come."

Michael Humphreys,

Area Commander

The Inverness Fire Station underwent a refurbishment to improve the working conditions for its firefighters.

This initiative is thought to be the first of its kind implemented by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The refurbishment was carried out by Morgan Sindall Construction, which was procured through the SCAPE Scotland Construction Framework as part of the project's second phase.

The upgrades aim to minimise unnecessary exposure to dirt and soot, thereby enhancing the health and safety of the firefighters at Inverness Fire Station.

The job involved refurbishing Inverness Fire Station facilities to assist firefighters in decontaminating before entering the clean side of the building.

This process, which is considered a new initiative for Scottish Fire and Rescue, aims to reduce exposure to dirt and soot, thereby improving health and safety conditions for firefighters. The design's objective is to ensure firefighters shower before accessing the 'clean' side of the building.

The project team first worked on welfare facilities, including a lecture training room, a rest area with TV, and kitchen and dining facilities. Next, they addressed decontamination facilities such as shower areas, changing rooms, and clothing storage. Finally, they refurbished the office and administration areas.

During the block's refurbishment, modular facilities with toilets, showers, and a kitchen were installed to ensure the continuity of emergency services.

The works were scheduled periodically to minimise disruption at the fire station. The site team provided daily updates to the workforce to maintain engagement and utilised a single point of entry to minimise disruption. This meticulous planning ensured that the station remained operational, allowing staff to continue delivering essential services throughout the works.

During the block's refurbishment, modular facilities with toilets, showers, and a kitchen were installed to ensure the continuity of emergency services.

The project was proven successful in improving the wellbeing of the staff and ensuring that the fire station is equipped to meet the needs of both current and future personnel, with appropriate facilities and safety measures in place.

The project also scored 45 out of 45 in the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), an independent organisation aiming to improve construction industry standards. Construction sites, companies, and suppliers voluntarily join CCS and follow its Code of Considerate Practice, exceeding statutory requirements. The Code focuses on respecting the community, caring for the environment, and valuing the workforce.

Social Value Achievements

The project team aimed to inspire the future of the industry by offering work experience placements and delivering career talks at local schools. They also volunteered as football coaches at primary schools. Additionally, they organised a blood drive, donating 24 pints to Give Blood's Inverness Donor Centre at Raigmore Hospital.

Support was provided to those early in their construction careers: an apprentice worked on the project for 14 weeks with ANM Electrical, and a Foreman participated in a Mentoring Programme, shadowing the Project Manager to learn Site Management and Morgan Sindall procedures.

10/10

Satisfaction Score

87%

Local Labour (less than 20 miles)

99%

SME Spend

£1670

Donations or in-kind contributions to local community projects