Inverness Fire Station

Our approach

The upgraded fire station in Inverness will improve the functionality of on duty conditions for firefighters in the area.

We were appointed through the SCAPE Scotland Framework, a public-sector procurement specialist, to deliver the second phase of works after the Scottish fire service requested to work with the Morgan Sindall project team again following the high standards and service received from the first phase, owing to our experience in delivering emergency services facilities.

The second phase is a £1.8m refurbishment of the dignified facilities areas which will provide facilities to separate used kit from clean, with areas to hang their dirty uniform. The purpose of the design is to create a process where the firefighters will have to shower before they enter the ‘clean’ side of the building and is believed to be the first of its kind carried out on behalf of Scottish Fire and Rescue. The upgrades will reduce unnecessary exposure to dirt and soot, bringing health and safety benefits to firefighters at Inverness Fire Station.

Works were sequenced in order to deploy the crew periodically, to cause minimal disruption to operations at the fire station. The first focus was on welfare facilities, which include a lecture training room, a rest area with a TV room, and kitchen and dining facilities. Then, the project team moved on to decontamination facilities including the shower and wash areas, changing facilities, and clothing storage spaces. The last element of the works undertaken saw the refurbishment of office and administration facilities.

While the block was under refurbishment, modular temporary facilities that included toilets, showers, and a kitchen were installed, to keep things moving seamlessly for the vital emergency services. The site team provided daily updates to the workforce to keep them engaged and used only one point of entry to minimise disruption. This planning allowed the station to remain operational and for staff to continue delivering vital services, even while works were ongoing.

Intelligent Solutions

As part of our Intelligent Solutions approach, the team employed thermal imaging to check for heat-loss spots as well as minimising the movement of air to reduce drafts and retain heat, while gaps in cavity walls were filled to improve insulation and create an energy efficient building.

Social Impact

During this project, the team sought opportunities to inspire the future of the industry through work experience placements for school students and delivering career talks at local schools. As part of their commitment to enhance communities, the project team volunteered time to football coach at local primary schools.

The project team also set up their own blood drive in support of Give Blood’s Inverness Donor Centre in Raigmore Hospital. During their time working at the fire station, the team had collectively donated 24 pints of blood.

Those early on in their construction careers were also given extra support; a young apprentice worked on the project for 14 weeks with ANM Electrical, and a Foreman on the project underwent a Mentoring Programme, shadowing the Project Manager on role requirements of Site Management and learning about Morgan Sindall procedures.

The project received a full 45 marks out of 45 in the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), a not-for-profit, independent organisation founded to raise standards in the construction industry. Construction sites, companies and suppliers voluntarily register with the Scheme and agree to abide by the Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements. The Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice has three areas: Respect the Community, Care for the Environment and Value their Workforce.