State-of-the-art fire station officially opens in Chester

A new state-of-the-art fire station has officially opened in the heart of Chester.

The new building – which is Cheshire’s first carbon neutral fire station – was unveiled at a special ceremony on Thursday 19 August.

The site, which sits on St Anne’s Street, replaces the aging 1970’s building which was no longer fit for purpose. It boasts four bays and modern training facilities such as a new training tower, breathing apparatus building and road traffic collision training area.

The station was officially opened by Cheshire Fire Authority Chairman Councillor Bob Rudd.

Cllr Rudd, said: “I’m extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to officially open the new station and I am delighted to see that the new building is now operational.

“It’s particularly poignant as this year marks the 110th anniversary since the very first fire station opened in Chester on Northgate Street.

“The technology and tools used by our crews has changed so much over time and it’s essential that we continually progress to ensure that our firefighters are provide with the facilities they need and deserve and have the best working environment we can give them.

“The station is yet another example of how Cheshire Fire Authority is investing in firefighting and helping to keep our communities safe.”

Cllr Rudd was joined at the ceremony by fellow Cheshire Fire Authority members, the Lord Mayor of Chester, local councillors and Cheshire Fire’s Chief Fire Officer.

The event was also attended by Mike Varlow from ISG Construction, the company responsible for building the new station.

Work initially started on the new building in January 2020 and firefighters and fire staff were based in a temporary building at the rear of the site while construction work was underway.

Chester Fire Chief Officer Mark Cashin, added: “It is exciting to see that our ambitious plans for Chester Fire Station have now become a reality.

“The wellbeing of our firefighters and staff is of paramount importance to me, so I couldn’t be happier that the team at Chester now have such a fine working environment from which to operate.

“It’s great the building is carbon neutral – a first for any fire station in Cheshire. This reinforces our commitment to being an organisation that not only cares about its people and the local community but also about the environment around us.

“The team have been working from the station for a number of months, but unfortunately due to the situation surrounding Covid we’ve been unable to officially open the station until today and I am pleased to finally have that opportunity.

“Hopefully, local residents will also soon have the chance to come and visit the station at one our open days, where they will have the opportunity to see the new building and find out more about the important work the dedicated firefighters carry out here at Chester.”