Plans unveiled for new fire stations in Hampshire
Most fire stations in the county are more than 50 years old.
Plans for new fire stations in Hampshire have been unveiled.
The fire stations in Redbridge, Southampton and the one in Bishop’s Waltham will be rebuilt as part of a £27m investement.
A new facility is also set to be created in Cosham.
It comes as Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said most fire stations in the county are more than 50 years old and the demands of the service have changed “significantly” over this time.
The decision comes as the force said older buildings are becoming more expensive to run and maintain.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said it is planning to rebuild on the existing site in Redbridge.
Construction works is expected to be carried out in phases in order to enable all services to continue to operate while in temporary accommodation.
“Investment in our fire stations is a fantastic opportunity for us"
A new fire station is also set to be built at the site of the existing one in Lower Lane, Bishop’s Waltham.
This is expected to be the first station to begin construction and this project will specifically aim to improve resilience against flooding, it has been confirmed.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the operational crew will move into a temporary fire station in a nearby industrial unit while the new station is under construction.
Meanwhile Cosham, in Portsmouth, will see the permanent relocation of the existing fire station in Wayte Street to a larger site in Northern Road, formerly used by Portsmouth Craft and Manufacturing Industries (PCMI).
Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Neil Odin, said: “Investment in our fire stations is a fantastic opportunity for us. It will not only provide better facilities for our people to work and train, but also build relationships with other public sector partners. It is vital that as a service we are visible and accessible to the public, which is why all new stations will have dedicated facilities to engage with our communities.”
A planning application for the fire station in Bishop’s Waltham is expected to be put forward this month while plans for Redbridge and Cosham are expected to be submitted later this year.