Planning for a safer Essex: Our new training centre
We’re planning to build a new operational training centre at our Service Headquarters - a key step in ensuring our firefighters continue to receive the high-quality, realistic training they need to protect the people of Essex.
Every day, our crews respond to a wide range of emergencies, from fires and road traffic collisions to complex rescue situations.
To prepare for these challenges, they need access to modern training environments that reflect real-life incidents and support the development of critical skills.
What's our plan?
The new training centre at Service Headquarters at Kelvedon Park, just off the A12, will bring together everything needed to deliver safe and effective training in one location.
It will include live fire simulation, road traffic collision and heavy rescue scenarios, fire investigation areas, ladder and working-at-height training, and dedicated spaces for command development and core firefighter skills.
The centre will also include essential supporting spaces such as classrooms, welfare areas and appliance bays.
By placing the training centre alongside our emergency call centre and operational support teams at Service Headquarters, we’ll create a more joined-up approach to training and response.
The central location of Service Headquarters will also make access easier for crews across the county, helping to reduce travel time and support more efficient use of training hours.
How will our plan benefit firefighters and the communities we serve?
This centre will offer hands-on training in realistic environments, helping firefighters build confidence, develop judgment under pressure, and safely learn from experience.
It also supports long-term career development and wellbeing, showing we’re invested in both the growth and safety of our teams.
Access to realistic, hands-on training in a safe and controlled setting helps build the confidence, decision-making skills and teamwork needed to respond effectively under pressure.
The people of our county will benefit too.
When firefighters train in settings that reflect the real incidents they face, they’re better prepared to protect lives, homes, roads, businesses, and public spaces across Essex.
What about ecology and environmental responsibility?
We’re designing this project with sustainability and environmental responsibility at its heart.
Our plans is aiming for a biodiversity net gain (BNG) well above the mandatory 10% target, supported by new tree planting, the creation of wildlife habitats, and enhancements to existing ponds.
Rainwater collection systems will allow us to reuse water during training activities, and carefully planned landscaping will reduce visual and noise impact while preserving the parkland setting.
Detailed ecological and arboricultural surveys have already taken place, helping to shape the plans in a way that protects and enhances the natural surroundings.
What happens next?
Our planning application was submitted to Braintree District Council on September 16th 2025.
We will then produce a full business case for consideration in December 2025.
As part of the planning process, a full transport assessment will be undertaken and submitted to the local authority.
How do I find out more?
At our recent public exhibition, residents and stakeholders had the chance to ask questions and speak to our team. You can view the project overview here.