Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has unveiled plans for a significant upgrade to its training facilities at Wray Park in Reigate, following the approval of a substantial investment by Surrey County Council’s Cabinet.
This milestone decision represents the largest single investment in training for frontline operational staff in the history of the service. The planned enhancements aim to provide Surrey’s firefighters with access to cutting-edge resources to meet statutory training requirements effectively and safely.
Key improvements will be made to the Firehouse and other training amenities, enabling comprehensive training sessions in critical areas such as working at height, live fire behaviour, use of breathing apparatus, and operations in confined spaces.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sally Wilson emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “This marks an essential step forward for our service’s future. Our current facilities require constant upkeep and no longer meet the demands of a modern firefighting service. The upgrades will enable us to raise our standards and lead the way in fire and rescue service training.”
Chief Fire Officer Dan Quin expressed gratitude to the teams involved in securing the investment, highlighting the potential for the upgraded facilities to become a hub for both domestic and international training sessions. Quin stated, “This investment will elevate our training standards, positioning us as leaders in the sector. Our goal is to provide excellence in training, ensuring our firefighters are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to protect our communities.”
The redevelopment at Wray Park aligns with broader initiatives to modernize Surrey’s fire stations, with redevelopment projects planned for Lingfield, Chobham, and Reigate. These projects not only aim to improve working conditions for firefighting teams but also contribute to the safety and well-being of local communities.
SFRS is collaborating closely with Land and Property colleagues to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with sustainability goals, contributing to a reduction in the service’s carbon footprint.
A public consultation event is scheduled for May, providing an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to learn more about the proposed developments and provide feedback.
