London calling – a new control centre

FireControl Centre in Merton

The Merton site is located in a well-established business park. Transport links, accessibility (for both people and services), demographics, vulnerability to threats such as flooding, and suitability for development all played a role in the choice of the site.

The selection of the developer and site followed a comprehensive procurement process run under EU procurement guidelines.

Timescales

The new London RCC is scheduled for practical completion in 2010. Following a period of fit out and testing, staff should be able to move in towards the end of 2010. This means the new London Regional Fire Control Centre will be up and running well in advance of the 2012 Olympics.  The nine RCCs will start to go live in 2009 and the FiReControl network will be fully operational by 2011. The result will be a more robust and resilient Fire and Rescue service that has the systems and technology to respond to the demands of the 21^st century.

New equipment

Data terminals fitted in every fire appliance will give fire fighters and control centre staff access to information such as locations of hydrants, building plans, and details of safe methods of dismantling cars. Satellite positioning equipment in every appliance will allow control staff to send the nearest appropriate vehicle.

Improving resilience

Announcing the RCC location, Local Government Minister, John Healey, said: “The Government’s top priority is protecting the public and increasing the nation’s resilience. That’s why we are investing in the new national network of Regional Control Centres. These will provide the Fire and Rescue Services with a modern, effective control and mobilisation system that will better protect the public.”

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