Work on £1.1 million fire station is first phase of larger development to bring 1,000 jobs to Wragby

WORK on a £1.1 million community fire station with library and police office at Wragby will, subject to detailed planning approval, start this summer and will herald the start of an envisaged 5-year plan by developers to bring new businesses and ultimately 1,000 new jobs to the area.

“The fire station is the first piece of the jigsaw. We expect work to start on this six-month contract in June of this year and this will kick-start the phased development of the 34 acres which we anticipate will ultimately create 1,000 new jobs over the next ten years,” said Adrian Goose, a director for Nottingham based developer, Millbrook Business Park Limited.

“We are very keen to secure a good future for Wragby and feel optimistic that the first green shoots of a recovery following the recession are emerging as we are seeing strong interest from potential businesses interested in this development site” said Adrian Goose, whose company received planning permission early 2009 to redevelop, but were forced to delay plans due to the recession.

“This really is excellent news for people in Wragby, the region and for Millbrook Business Park Limited, the developer. This represents a very significant investment and not only does it hold out the immediate prospect for improved community services but in the longer term, many more jobs for local people. It really does send out a very positive message to be welcomed after the past couple of years of recession,” said Stephen Bradford, partner at Hodgson Elkington, chartered surveyors, the agent marketing the multi-million pound Millbrook Business Park development.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue submitted plans to build the new station to replace the current site in Bardney Road because, they say, the village's existing station is inadequate and believe the new proposal at Millbrook will provide improved training facilities for firefighters as well as housing community services. A police office and library are also being considered as well as other community facilities, creating in effect a community hub.

The fire station will be staffed and operated by a retained crew of up to 10 people who will respond to call-outs and will include a four-storey training building, plus an area to practice mock ditch rescues.
The detailed planning application, which includes public consultation, is currently with Lincolnshire County Council.

"The current fire station in Bardney Road is no longer fit for purpose with regard to training facilities, appliance room size and lacks community facilities. One of the goals is to provide a sustainable community centre employing the latest solar energy capture and wind turbines systems and to encourage the use of the station by local government officers or council members and members of the public as a local meeting place,” said to Andy Whitfield, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's resources operations manager.

Lincoln-based Trent Valley Construction Limited has been appointed as contractor to build the new facility.

The Millbrook Business Park, situated near a major housing development, has outline planning permission for a number of commercial uses, which include showrooms, a pub/restaurant, creche and trade counter operations. Hodgson Elkington say the developers will consider proposals for freehold serviced land from half an acre upwards and Design & Build options.