Chertsey Make Ready Centre (South East Coast Ambulance Service)

Chertsey, South East Coast Ambulance Service

Following significant flood damage at the Chertsey Ambulance Centre, caused by a burst high-pressure water main, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) faced the urgent challenge of restoring critical staff accommodation areas. In response, SECAmb partnered with Oander and HE Interiors to deliver a fast-track refurbishment and reconfiguration of the affected spaces. The primary goal was twofold: to quickly reinstate operational functionality and to upgrade and enlarge the staff facilities, providing a more comfortable and efficient working environment for front-line crews.

The project required a comprehensive approach due to the extensive damage and necessary improvements. Key areas of focus included staff kitchens, break-out areas, reception, meeting rooms, lockers, and changing rooms. Each area was carefully reconfigured to enhance workflow, accessibility, and comfort, ensuring that SECAmb staff had a modern, functional environment to support their demanding roles.

Significant structural alterations were undertaken to repair flood damage and optimise the layout of the accommodation zones. The refurbishment included the safe removal of asbestos, a critical step to meet health and safety requirements. In addition, building services were upgraded across the site to support a modern, fully operational facility. This included the installation of a new fire alarm system, CCTV coverage, IT infrastructure, and door-entry systems, ensuring the building met current operational standards. New windows and fire doors were also fitted, improving both safety and environmental performance.

Time was a critical factor throughout the project. The refurbishment was carried out on a tightly managed schedule, allowing staff to return to a fully operational environment as quickly as possible. HE Interiors, in collaboration with SECAmb and Oander, carefully coordinated all works to minimise disruption and ensure that essential services remained uninterrupted. Regular engagement with key stakeholders, including estates managers and operational teams, ensured that the design and delivery aligned with practical requirements and operational priorities.

Beyond restoring the damaged areas, the project provided an opportunity to enhance the overall quality of the staff facilities. Kitchens and break-out areas were designed for comfort and functionality, meeting rooms were optimised for collaborative work, and changing rooms and lockers were upgraded to support the wellbeing of staff. The refurbishment not only reinstated lost space but also introduced a modernised, user-friendly environment that will benefit SECAmb employees for years to come.

The successful delivery of the Chertsey Make Ready Centre refurbishment highlights HE Interiors’ ability to respond to emergency situations with speed, precision, and quality. By combining technical expertise with careful stakeholder engagement and a focus on operational continuity, HE Interiors helped SECAmb restore critical facilities while enhancing the functionality and comfort of staff accommodation. The project stands as a testament to effective collaboration, fast-track project management, and the creation of practical, high-quality workspaces under challenging circumstances.