South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

Challenge

The YPO design team was contacted by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR), to be tasked with another exciting project after previous successful partnerships including the Headquarters office refurbishment. The enquiry was to create a bespoke design for new lockers within the instructor changing facilities at the Training and Development Centre in Sheffield. 

The Process

One of YPO’s project managers conducted a site visit to carry out a survey with one of their dedicated suppliers. The survey required measuring the existing space, gaining qualitative feedback from end users and a design specification from the client. This enabled the creation of a bespoke design to meet the needs of SYFR as a busy training environment. The quotation included CAD drawings of the bespoke lockers required, a layout and 3D render of the area to enable easy sign-off for the clients’ internal governance structure.

YPO, together with SYFR’s client, found feedback from the end users was crucial to a successful project. This feedback allowed for the bespoke design to work as hard as possible for crews based at the training school. Design elements included double hanging space, smaller section for hygiene products and course material along with boot storage areas. To maximize comfort in the area, a bench was added to the front of the locker to allow for changing and maintenance of footwear. 

Pictures courtesy of Bellrock, the primary contractor for the TDC Instructor Room refurbishment.

The space for the lockers had several restrictions including windows, walkways and access zones to the lockers themselves. All of this was considered by YPO and the locker supplier. Functionally, the lockers included air vents to the top and bottom of the design, as well as throughout the shelves. This ensures that lockers are well ventilated whilst also allowing for personal security. 

Checks were also made to ensure all finishes and colours worked well with the newly refurbished instructor locker room and finishing touches such as name plates and locks were selected and confirmed. 

Solution

SYFR now has new, bespoke lockers which meet the needs of the crews storage requirements and allow for hanging items, footwear and accessories. The lockers look very modern and contemporary within the newly refurbished instructor locker room and have been well received by all. 

Pictures courtesy of Bellrock, the primary contractor for the TDC Instructor Room refurbishment.

Testimonial from customer

“This is not my first time working with YPO, and certainly will not be the last. As a public sector organisation it’s comforting knowing I have a reliable, cost-effective and compliant route for bespoke items such as lockers. YPO have continued to be supportive and offer advice throughout the process as well as holding me accountable for sticking to my own timelines!” - Becky Eastes, SYFR Estates Project & Programme Manager.

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