The team behind the construction of a new £3.7m fire station in Nottingham has handed over the development to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Following a year-long building project on site, contractor J Tomlinson has completed work on the three-storey building in London Road, which will use less than a quarter of the energy of the fire station it is replacing – significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The development of the new fire station has been a Nottinghamshire project from start to finish, involving a number of key Nottingham companies.
It was designed by city architects CPMG, constructed by Nottingham-based J Tomlinson, and project managed by CPMG’s client, the Nottingham office of Turner & Townsend. Structural engineer Curtins and mechanical and electrical consultants Couch Perry Wilkes from the city also played key roles in the development, which houses three fire engine bays, modern training facilities, including a tower, and office space for Nottingham City Council’s Emergency Planning Team.
The new fire station will replace the iconic Central Fire Station which has served the city centre and surrounding area since the 1940s.
Built to significantly exceed efficiency standards through the use of smart lighting, insulation, and solar panels on the roof, it is also linked to the Nottingham City District Heating System, which provides a low carbon fuel source to homes and businesses in the city using energy recovered from waste.
It has been designed so that heating in the appliance bay will automatically cut out when the appliance bay doors are open.
Martin Gallagher, construction managing director for J Tomlinson, said: “J Tomlinson works on construction projects across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire, but it is always pleasing to be involved in a high-profile project in our home city of Nottingham, especially when it is something as important for the community as a new fire station.
“The year-long build has gone smoothly and to plan, and we are delighted and proud to have handed over a new, state-of-the-art facility to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service on time and on budget.”
Aiden Bell, architect for CPMG, said: “As a Nottingham-based firm, the London Road Fire Station is clearly a project close to our hearts and one which we’re delighted to have designed. The three-storey building complements the city’s south side regeneration plans and meets the needs of a modern emergency service, fit for the future.
“As well as providing vital services to the people of Nottingham, the building’s energy efficient features will save the fire service money and will provide state-of-the-art facilities for training and our firefighters.”
Peter Orton, director, Turner & Townsend Nottingham, said: “Being involved in this project is something we’re immensely proud of. We have been involved since 2013. Throughout this time, we have worked closely with Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, acting as lead consultant and providing project management, cost management and design services. It’s exciting to now see this state-of-the-art facility come to life.”
Councillor Darrel Pulk, chair of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “London Road Fire Station has been purpose built for a modern fire service and I am delighted that the project has been delivered on time and to a high specification.
“I am looking forward to the next phase of the project which will see fire crews from Nottingham’s Central Fire Station rehome here in early September before the station’s official opening.
“The new station has been built to significantly exceed efficiency standards through the use of smart lighting, insulation and solar panels and I am pleased that handover has been completed and accepted which means that the final stages of the project can begin.”
The London Road fire station has been built in collaboration with Nottingham City Council.
