Developer, Assura, has begun construction of a new ambulance hub in Bury St Edmunds following the opening of the first facility in the West Midlands.

The £11m development, which was designed to be fully net zero in operation, will provide training facilities and space for over 30 ambulances, helping to relieve growing pressure on the NHS.

Combining an array of smart technologies the 2,900sq m facility will act as a ‘make-ready’ central reporting hub for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) – one of the largest ambulance trusts in England, serving over 6.3 million people.

The Ambulance Hub will see the installation of smart technologies, including over 1,000sq m of solar panels, with the aim that all expected energy demand is met through the renewable energy generated on site.

These measures will radically reduce the carbon emissions and footprint of the facility, with the scheme designed to achieve BREEAM sustainability certification of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of A+. 

Jonathan Murphy, chief executive of Assura, said: “This fantastic project in Bury St Edmunds will help East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust to deliver an efficient and essential service to the local population.

“It forms part of our continued purpose to develop quality facilities that improve health services in a community setting, while reducing pressure on hospitals and the NHS.

“And it builds on the success of our first ambulance hub in the West Midlands, as we unlock further value by entering new areas such as NHS trusts, diagnostic centres, and mental health services in the community.” 

Construction of the Bury St Edmunds hub is expected to take 14 months.

Tom Abell, chief executive of East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “I am delighted to see work begin on the new hub at Bury St Edmunds.

“Staff will move from outdated stations to benefit from modern, fit-for-purpose facilities – including a gym and wellbeing facilities – and be better supported with onsite vehicle maintenance and preparation so ambulances are equipped and ready to go.”

He added: “The development of the central reporting hub will allow rapid and efficient preparation and deployment of our frontline teams to provide consistent, high-quality care to our patients. 

“Sustainability is also vital to our organisation and I am very pleased that the hub will be the first of its kind in England to be net zero.”