Consultation launched for Stockport Community Fire Station redevelopment

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has unveiled plans for a brand-new facility in the town as part of a £38m investment across the city region’s fire and rescue estate between now and 2025.

GMCA is seeking feedback on its proposals for Stockport Community Fire Station, which would see the old King Street facility replaced by another fire station on the same site.

Occupied by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, proposals for the facility’s redevelopment include the introduction of sustainable heating and lighting systems to assist Greater Manchester in its goal to become carbon neutral by 2038.

• READ MORE: GMCA says net zero ambitions ‘still considered achievable’

Plans also include the creation of a dual-purpose community room and operational training room for workers, while the number of fire engines and response times to emergencies would be maintained.

The new facility will replace the existing facility on King Road. Credit: via GMCA

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “People across Greater Manchester deserve the very best service that our firefighters can deliver, and these plans are all about giving them the facilities and the resources to get on with the job of protecting communities in Stockport.

Part of the £38m GMFRS Estates Strategy, Stockport Community Fire Station will be rebuilt alongside Blackley and Whitefield fire stations, as well as those in Heywood and Whitehill.

ISG was appointed as the main contractor for all five projects in January, which intend to ensure stations remain fit for purpose and enable GMFRS to provide the best possible service to residents.

Scottish engineering consultant Harley Haddow is helping to craft an energy-efficient design with air source heat pumps, natural ventilation, solar panels, battery storage, and green roofs.

Green added: “Our £38m Estates Strategy outlines how we’re investing in new stations to modernise our operations across the city region and deliver additional benefits, like cutting carbon emissions and offering new spaces for community engagement and training.”

Proposals for Blackley and Whitefield fire stations have already been submitted, while plans for Heywood and Whitehill stations will follow Stockport.

Dave Russel, chief fire officer, said: “Every day our firefighters go to work right in the heart of the communities that we serve, so we have a responsibility to ensure that those facilities are of the highest quality and support crews to respond rapidly and professionally to a wide variety of incidents.

“We had really positive engagement from local communities in Blackley and Whitefield when we outlined the first phase of fire station rebuilds in our redevelopment programme, and their feedback has helped shape plans in those places.

“I would encourage anyone in Stockport to get involved and tell us what you want to see from this major investment in our capabilities.”

The Stockport Fire Station consultation will run until 20 June and can be accessed at gmconsult.org.