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Green fire stations to open up to local communities

Published	19 December 2007

Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda today set out the Government's vision for a new generation of open, accessible, inviting and environmentally friendly fire stations where communities can come together socially and crucially hear key fire safety advice.

Evidence shows that to continue driving down the number of fire deaths, the fire and rescue service's engagement with the public is vital. This is why Communities and Local Government is today launching the guide Achieving Design Quality in Fire and Rescue Service Buildings, which will put great design at the heart of plans for a new generation of buildings.

The design of many fire stations - often intimidating and closed-looking Victorian buildings - does not make them naturally inviting places for the public. The popular image of fire stations is often of red bay doors opening briefly to allow out a blue light fire engine before closing again to the outside world. The Design Guide aims to change this.

Speaking at the Guide's launch at London Fire Brigade's newly built Millwall fire station Parmjit Dhanda said:

"The fire and rescue service needs buildings that meet the challenges of today and the future and that allow it to do the best job possible. Firefighters' first job will always be fighting fire, but stations can also play a greater role in promoting good community relations by opening up to them and putting a greater emphasis on prevention by increasing education about fire safety.

"Many of our traditional fire stations are magnificent buildings that are an important piece of the architectural landscape and play an important part in local communities. But we want to add to the range of buildings and facilities that the fire and rescue services have at their disposal."

The aim of the guide is to help the FRS to commission buildings that are:

• Functional, aspirational and that offer high tech facilities;
• eye pleasing;
• welcoming and accessible to the community;
• environmentally friendly; and
• good working and motivational conditions for staff.

The guide emphasises how building design quality matters in both the smallest and the largest details: from the handles on the lockers to the major structures of a building, and that a well-designed building provides good value for money over its whole life. The Guide applies to new builds and refurbishments.

Through imaginative design guidance this publication also helps the FRS to balance the needs of buildings to be both open and receptive to local residents but secure against intruders.

The guide also suggests new uses for fire stations that would encourage the local community to visit their local fire station and thus help in engaging with the community to spread fire safety messages. The suggestions are:

• hosting community events and services;
• on site cash points;
• providing car parks in rural areas; and
• providing space for art displays.

Speaking on how the Fire and Rescue Service Building Design Guide will seek to put environmental considerations at the heart of building design Parmjit Dhanda said:

"We all need to play our part in being greener and in sustainable construction. To challenge climate change the Guide promotes the incorporation of features such as the reuse of rain water and energy-saving sensor lighting."

And the importance of good design for fire stations also goes wider still. Speaking on diversity in the fire and rescue services Parmjit Dhanda continued:

"The fire and rescue services are increasingly seeking to meet the needs of the diverse communities they serve by reflecting them in their workforce. Therefore providing the right working conditions for all staff is vital. This needs to be a part of the building planning and design process from the outset, which this guide will enable."

Notes to editors

1. As well as Millwall fire station, examples of fire stations around the country which show some of the principles of good design are:

• St Albans (Hertfordshire - opened 2005)
• Plymouth (Devon - opened 2007)
• Handsworth (Birmingham - opened 2000)
• Ryde (Isle of Wight)
• Farnborough (Hampshire)
• Tyne and Wear:
• • Newcastle East Community Fire Station (opened 2005)
  • Newcastle West Community Fire Station (opened 2005)
  • Gateshead Community Fire Station (opened 2006)
  • Northmoor Community Fire Station (opened 2004)
  • Washington Community Fire Station (open 2005)
  • Swalwell Community Fire Station (opened 2005)
• Ashton under Lyne (Greater Manchester).

3. The Achieving Design Quality in Fire and Rescue Service Buildings publication is available at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/designquality.

4. The Guide was prepared on behalf of Communities and Local Government by Alexi Marmot Associates acting for CABE with input from fire and rescue service corporate staff and advisors.

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