HRH Princess Anne visited Lincoln on Monday 28 June 2021 to officially open the joint ambulance fire and police station at South Park and to visit staff involved in the response to the Covid pandemic.
Although the tri-service station was fully operational in late 2019, the pandemic has prevented an official opening from taking place to date.
HRH was greeted by representatives from all three emergency services, as well as county councillors and staff. Joint funded by Lincolnshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and £7.5m of government funding, the £21m tri-service emergency centre is a ground-breaking example of exceptional collaborative working.
Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council escorted Her Royal Highness on her visit. He said: "I was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Anne to Lincolnshire once again. She seemed to enjoy her visit and took a keen interest in the work of all emergency responders based at South Park prior to officially opening the building."
The building has been one of several projects by public sector organisations as part of the local and national One Public Estate programme, and last year won the 'One Team' award in the Cabinet Office property awards.
HRH Princess Anne had a tour of the building, meeting operational staff from all three emergency services who showcased a range of equipment and resources, including a special meet and greet with police dog ‘Frankie’ from Lincolnshire Police's Dog Unit. She then officially opened the building.
Her visit concluded with a visit to the County Emergency Centre – the centre of much multi-agency activity during the Covid pandemic.
Cllr Hill, added: "During her time at the County Emergency Centre she was particularly interested in how we have worked with our communities during the covid pandemic, as well as the joint working between different organisations."