New Horsham fire station to be named in honour of late Queen

The site of the new Horsham fire station and training centre will be called Platinum House to mark the late Queen’s special jubilee held earlier this year.

An official topping-out ceremony, where the highest point of the building is put in place, was held to mark the construction milestone last week.

The occasion was celebrated with the burying of a time capsule at the site, which contains items from the existing fire station in Hurst Road.

Some of the contents of the time capsule at the new fire station (Image: Horizon Imaging Ltd)

They included photographs of the crews at Horsham, a medal from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service badges.

The capsule will be opened in 50 years' time in 2072 by a future generation of firefighters at the station.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for community support, fire and rescue, said: “We are honoured to be able to name our brand new, industry-leading fire station and training centre in honour of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“The topping out ceremony marks a significant point in the construction project and I was incredibly impressed at the pace with which this new site has progressed.

“This will become a fantastic new landmark for our county and I am looking forward to seeing the facilities become an integrated part of our fire and rescue service.”

An artist's impression of the new complex at Horsham Fire Station (Image: West Sussex County Council)

The £21 million development will include a state-of-the-art training facility, together with a new fire station to serve Horsham and the surrounding area.

Firefighters will be able to be immersed in real-life and realistic scenarios, making them better equipped and skilled.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, chief fire officer of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The new facilities will provide our staff with more opportunities to train and develop their skills locally, without having to travel further afield.

“The site will allow our firefighters to simulate more than 50 realistic training scenarios to ensure they are prepared to respond to a wide range of incidents - ultimately keeping them, and the communities they serve, safe.

“This project represents a substantial investment in our service from the county council to create an industry-leading training centre and fire station to serve the residents of Horsham for many years to come.”

Contractors began work on the site last November, with the fire station due to be completed next year.