18-11-2016

New Fire Service Facility Now Operational

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has officially opened a new state-of-the-art facility at Dundee to maintain its fleet of emergency vehicles. It will join forces with an existing facility at Inverness to ensure communities across the North are protected in times of emergency. The new Asset Resource Centre at Claverhouse was opened by Annabelle Ewing, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs in Dundee today, 17 November. It represents a £3.75m investment that brings together 35 staff – including experienced mechanics, stores, ICT and property specialists. It includes a substantial garage for maintenance of fire engines, an IT hub and space for support staff. The new base at Dundee will oversee the service and repair of 348 vehicles from across 164 stations across the north of Scotland, including Shetland, ensuring the SFRS can respond to emergencies whenever and wherever they arise. Sarah O’Donnell is the Director of Finance & Contractual Services for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. She said: “There is no doubt that this multi-million investment at Dundee will modernise our key areas of fleet workshops, stores, property and ICT support. “This will combine with our existing Asset Resource Centre at Inverness to meet the unique geographical and logistical demands of keeping our northern fleet on the road and serviced to the very highest possible standard.” Annabelle Ewing, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs said: "I am delighted to open this state of the art facility which will play a key role in supporting Scotland’s firefighters to keep our communities safe.” The project at Claverhouse Industrial Estate commenced in June 2015 following Ministerial approval. The site was thereafter purchased from Dundee City Council. The project to build the facility was led by hub East Central Scotland and constructed by Robertson Tayside with Architectural Services provided by Gauldie Wright & Partners Architects. Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “Our team worked closely with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to manage the project's successful delivery on time and budget. The result is a modern, high quality facility that meets the operational needs of SFRS, built at best value for the communities that it serves.”