ISG has secured the contract to deliver a new, world-class training facility for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) – its latest win via the influential North West Construction Hub (NWCH) procurement framework.
Constructed on the service’s current Sadler Road site in Winsford the project, which is only the second of its size in the country, sees ISG extend and refurbish a range of existing buildings to create immersive training zones, helping CFRS deliver some of the most advanced and realistic training scenarios to its firefighters.
The new zones will simulate real-life situations, with a petrochemical training rig, motorway simulation scenario, railway track and confined space training area, where firefighters will be able to practice and refine their response to a range of serious incidents.
ISG will build a series of different structures across the site including traditional terraced houses, an industrial zone, training classrooms as well as a central hub for the service’s occupational health staff.
The site will also include a simulated section of motorway (complete with gantries and signs) and a replica farm building, with the team prioritising efficiency by building all of the different structures simultaneously to ensure the world class facility can be fully operational in the shortest possible timeframe.
Neil Walker, ISG framework director, said: “We’re immensely proud to be embarking on our fourth project for the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, with this strong partnership helping transform the service’s built environment assets and create strong community hubs of learning and technical excellence.”
ISG has extensive experience working across the blue light sector, and most recently delivered the Lymm Response Hub and Safety Central for CFRS, which was officially opened by Princess Anne in 2018. The centre provides a community learning experience for all age ranges, teaching safety and life skills through sensory tours. ISG has also worked with Cleveland Fire Authority to deliver a four-year, £22 million programme of works, including the creation of four new fire stations.
