ISG Takes £5.5 Million NE Fire Authority Scheme

The project sees ISG build a high specification facility in Bowburn, County Durham, creating a centre of excellence supporting the training requirements of local fire stations across County Durham and Darlington. The circa 16,100 sq ft steel frame training building will incorporate classroom and lecture theatre areas, a canteen, an incident command simulation suite and three fire engine bays. The facility will give County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service the opportunity to offer training to other fire and rescue service partners and private industry.

As part of the extensive external facilities for practical training sessions, ISG will install modified and reinforced shipping containers featuring sophisticated ventilation systems. Specialist training areas created on site will include search and rescue, fire-fighting in confined spaces, fire-fighting in darkness, rescue from height and animal rescue. ISG will also create a road traffic accident simulation area with mock dual carriageway.

Alan McCarthy-Wyper, managing director of ISG’s Construction business, commented: “This latest win for our Newcastle office firmly establishes our blue light expertise and delivery credentials within the North East, where there is significant investment being made into dedicated training, front line and operational infrastructure. The new Bowburn facility will prove an invaluable asset to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, and I’m delighted that ISG will play a key role in enabling fire fighters to maintain and hone their skills in a safe environment with realistic scenario training.”