Fareham Borough Council has welcomed proposals by the Bristow Group to create an impressive new Search and Rescue Training Centre at Faraday Business Park.
Bristow has today launched a public consultation on its proposals which, it believes, will help create the next generation of Search and Rescue pilots and personnel. As part of the consultation process, Bristow is also hosting a public exhibition at Fareham Innovation Centre on Wednesday 12 July from 2:30pm – 7:30pm when members of the project team will be available to answer any queries.
At this stage of the process Fareham Borough Council, as landowner of the proposed development site, has welcomed the proposal in principle, although there are still various regulatory matters to work through.
Following Bristow’s consultation, the next stage will be for a planning application to be submitted to the Council for determination by the Council’s Planning Committee.
Cllr Seán Woodward, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: ‘I understand this is very early days but, in principle, this proposal sits very well with the Council’s Vision for Daedalus. It is for state-of-the-art training facilities that aren’t currently available on this scale, where vital search and rescue skills can be taught and practised. I would encourage people to take the time to look at the information being provided and contact the developer with any questions they may have.’
Bristow’s Director of Government Services, Neil Ebberson, said: “This multi-million pound development would see the creation of a unique helicopter crew training facility which will allow Bristow Search and Rescue crews to hone their lifesaving skills in realistic simulated environments.
“The facility will also enable training of the many members of the Search and Rescue ‘family’ organisations in safe and controlled situations.
“In addition, by lowering the training hours flown by helicopters it will support the development of critical Search and Rescue skills while also reducing emissions.”
Further updates about the proposals will be provided as and when developments progress.
Bristow’s consultation is online at: www.gillingsplanning.co.uk/bristow and will end on 19 July 2023.