Fire stations across the Isle of Wight are to benefit from a £1.7m package of improvements.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) approved the spending at a meeting on Tuesday, 15 February.
The money follows on from a £1.1m investment in our Isle of Wight estate in 2021 (Phase one improvements) which saw the Island’s 10 stations fitted out with new and improved vehicle exhaust extraction kits and upgraded fire alarm systems.
Following the Fire Authority’s decision to invest further, all 10 sites will now receive electrical infrastructure updates and surveys to bring the stations in line with those in Hampshire.
Other work will include:
• Roof replacements at Newport, Cowes, Bembridge, Ventnor and Freshwater
• Kitchen upgrades at Ryde, Newport, Bembridge, Sandown, Shanklin and Freshwater, to make life better for our colleagues and attract partner agencies to these locations
• The appliance bay door at Shanklin will be upgraded
• A four-bed dormitory and bathroom will be created at Bembridge, providing accommodation for colleagues travelling to the Island, at no cost to HIWFRS
Chairman of HIWFRA, Councillor Rhydian Vaughan, said:
“As we approach the first anniversary of the formation of the Combined Fire Authority, it is pleasing to see the progress that has already been made to improve fire stations across the Isle of Wight.
“The investment of a further £1.7m will now allow more essential maintenance work to be carried out, making life better for firefighters, support staff and our communities.
“The Fire Authority remains committed to providing good value for money and has one of the lowest council tax charges in England. Proactively investing in our estate is important because it ensures that our buildings are fit for purpose and can meet the needs of a modern fire and rescue service.”
A rolling programme of maintenance work at fire stations across Hampshire will continue alongside improvement work on the Isle of Wight.