State-of-the-art fire training
We are delighted to share the completion of the state-of-the-art Horsham Fire Station and Training Centre (Platinum House), for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
This ground breaking project is a game changer for West Sussex, it is the first Live Fire Training facility in the region. Placing firefighters’ health and wellbeing as the top priority with the design of the facility, it marks a significant milestone in the evolution of our Fire and Rescue Services.
Platinum House stands as a shining example of a modern, safe working environment for fire and rescue service staff, as well as a 24-hour operational Fire Station - a rare gem in the UK and the first new fire station in West Sussex since 1974. The name "Platinum House" was chosen to honour the late Queen’s jubilee held last year.
Platinum House stands as a shining example of a modern, safe working environment for fire and rescue service staff, as well as a 24-hour operational Fire Station - a rare gem in the UK and the first new fire station in West Sussex since 1974. The name "Platinum House" was chosen to honour the late Queen’s jubilee held last year.
The journey to create this flagship scheme has been fuelled by years of international research, placing firefighters at the core of the project. The immersive realistic training scenarios allow them to hone their skills, ensuring they are better equipped to protect the communities of West Sussex and beyond.
This remarkable project wouldn't have been possible without the collaborative efforts of HNW Architects, West Sussex County Council, the Fire & Rescue Service, Willmott Dixon, Faithful+Gould, HOP, Terra Firma and many others.
This remarkable project wouldn't have been possible without the collaborative efforts of HNW Architects, West Sussex County Council, the Fire & Rescue Service, Willmott Dixon, Faithful+Gould, HOP, Terra Firma and many others.
The amount of engagement, time and diligence shown by our partners from HNW architects has helped shape the training offer for our current staff and future generations of fire fighters.
Jim Mackay, Training Transition Manager for Horsham Training Centre & Fire Station
They have created world class facilities for us to train in, which will change the way our trainers can deliver safety critical training, making our staff the very best they can be and allow West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service to fully establish itself as a training academy.
Jim Mackay, Training Transition Manager for Horsham Training Centre & Fire Station
This new training centre and fire station represents a significant investment from West Sussex County Council in our fire and rescue service to ensure we provide our staff with industry-leading facilities to ensure they are equipped to respond to emergency situations swiftly and safely.
Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council
I am proud to say that sustainability is at the heart of the project, and we have placed a strong emphasis on the use of the latest technology and renewable energy sources to minimise our environmental footprint. The whole site will be carbon neutral, which supports the county council’s drive to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council
I am really proud that West Sussex County Council has delivered this industry-leading training facility and fire station for our service. The new facility utilises the very best in latest technology, both for our firefighters who will be based in our new fire station, and all our staff who will benefit from our new training centre.
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer
This will allow us to deliver true-to-life training environments to ensure our staff are fully prepared for emergency situations when they arise – keeping the people living in our communities in West Sussex safe from harm.
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer
The fire and rescue sector is always evolving and adopting best new practice. This new training centre and fire station represents a significant step forward and puts West Sussex at the very forefront.
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer
July 2023