Making way for the new – demolition of the old Chester Fire Station is complete

After weeks of demolition work, the old Chester Fire Station is no more, with space now being cleared to bring a brand-new facility to the existing site.

As part of the project awarded through the influential North West Construction Hub, main contractor ISG has already built firefighters a temporary fire station adjacent to where the old building once stood to provide continuity of service.

Since last summer, various techniques have been used to carry out a safe and socially conscious demolition. This has included using a water spray to keep dust down and giving people who live and work nearby the opportunity to watch the demolition from a safe distance, helping them get a glimpse into the process carried out to transform community services.

The team has also prioritised using materials from the demolition in a positive way, recycling and reusing 98 per cent of materials generated during the demolition process. Metal will be melted down to be repurposed and reclaimed bricks will be processed so that they can be returned to site to be part of the foundations of the new station.

Once complete, some of the upgraded facilities at the new Chester Fire Station will include a training building and tower for simulated rescue scenarios, an aerial ladder platform, and a specialist water rescue unit.

Driven by a vision to provide outstanding training and working conditions for the firefighters in Chester, the new steel frame building has a contemporary design, which has been optimised to reduce energy costs and maximise its sustainable credentials. The new fire station will  also include community facilities to further encourage integration and knowledge sharing with Chester residents.

The Station Manager who leads on the project, David Rutter, said: “The project has reached a significant milestone, and while some of the community, including myself, are sad to see the old fire station go, the new fire station will be more cost-effective to run and maintain, environmentally friendly, and have improved accessibility. 

“I want to reassure the public that the demolition of the old fire station has not and will not compromise our response to emergencies, as a temporary fire station has been created on site. This is a really exciting time for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the community who will benefit from a new fire station that will give firefighters in the city a more comfortable working environment that is better suited to the practical needs of a modern fire service.”

Tim Harvey, ISG’s regional director, commented: “The safety and security of our communities depends on the fast response, commitment and bravery of our emergency service personnel. Working on the latest generation of advanced facilities to support these vital services is something that we are immensely proud to leave as a community legacy, both during and after the construction period, and our partnership with both CFRS and the NWCH is proving transformative to blue light provision in the north of England.”

ISG has extensive experience working across the blue light sector and this win is the fifth contract secured for CFRS. The company is currently on site at Winsford Training Centre, extending and refurbishing a range of existing buildings to create a range of immersive training zones and, previously, completed the Lymm Community Fire Station/ Safety Central facility, Powey Lane Fire Station, and Penketh Fire station.