At least £800,000 looks set to be spent to provide new gyms for firefighters at 10 of Norfolk's fire stations.
Bosses at Norfolk Fire and Recue Service say the new buildings are needed so firefighters can maintain the physical fitness required for their roles.
The fire stations currently have treadmills and other training equipment, but, due to a lack of space, those are often placed in appliance bays or lecture rooms.
Fire chiefs say that is not a suitable long-term arrangement for safe and consistent physical training, so adding new modular buildings containing the gym equipment is the way forward.
Reform-led Norfolk County Council, which runs the fire service, wants to add the new buildings at stations in Attleborough, Cromer, East Harling, Harleston, Holt, Loddon, Long Stratton, Martham, Great Massingham, and Swaffham, as well as at the fire service’s training centre in Bowthorpe.
A council report said: "A modular building solution is proposed as a practical alternative to a conventional extension, with less disruption and a shorter construction programme.
"Each building will provide a secure, dedicated space for the existing gym equipment, with heating, air conditioning, lighting, and power."
Each gym will be equipped to allow at least two firefighters to train at the same time.
Pat Gould, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for countryside, coast, and culture, has used his delegated powers to begin the tendering process to find a company to build the new gyms.
Chief fire officer Ceri Sumner will award the contract following consultation with fellow County Hall officers.
£800,000 is currently set aside for the project, although the final contract value will be determined during the tendering process.
The plans follow positive news for the service, recently rated good in eight out of 10 areas by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.
The inspectorate also found the service had addressed all 16 issues raised during its previous inspection in 2023.
Share