Construction work has been begun at Redbridge Fire Station to upgrade the site and make the station a healthier workplace, protecting firefighters from dangerous contaminates.
A report was approved by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority in December 2022 to refurbish the 1960s Redbridge Fire Station site, previously home to the Southampton Brigade Headquarters.
Planning permission was granted from Southampton City Council before works got underway.
Cllr Sally Goodfellow, from Southampton City Council, said:
“The decision of the fire authority and the close cooperation with the council to allow these works to take place, shows the clear commitment we have to protecting our firefighters.
“We will continue to support the development of the fire service estate where it improves the facilities our firefighters need to stay healthy, and helps them to do the invaluable job they do every day to keep our communities safe.”
As well as the new extension which will house the improved decontamination facilities, the site will also see security upgrades and new external cladding.
HIWFRS Director of Corporate Services, Matt Robertson said:
“These essential upgrades will protect firefighters at Redbridge by providing them with the facilities needed to safely manage contaminates post-incident.
“We are working to ensure all our stations across Hampshire and Isle of Wight have the necessary procedures and facilities in place to decontaminate our people, vehicles, equipment and buildings, keeping everyone safe.”
HIWFRS worked closely with Southampton City Council, partners on site, and local residents to ensure the refurbishment is fit for purpose.
The firefighters will continue to respond from Redbridge Fire Station using a temporary facility on site, to maintain operational coverage in the area.
It is anticipated the works will be completed by next summer.
