Replacement plans for modern fire station in Southampton

Property consultancy Vail Williams has been appointed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service to oversee the process.

A planning application for the proposed development at Redbridge Hill, which involves replacing a 1960s building with a modern, efficient premises, is due to be submitted once public consultation comments have been considered.

Ben Christian, an Associate at Vail Williams, who provides planning advice to a range of clients in the public and private sectors, leads.

He said: “The existing fire station at Redbridge was built in the 1960s and is one of the oldest fire authority-owned sites in the estate.

“Costs to maintain and operate the site are increasing; the building is no longer fit for purpose.

“This is a station investment plan which will create an efficient, modern and fit-for-purpose estate, including improved training facilities, which supports the needs of the fire & rescue service, communities and partners.”

Public consultation has been held online due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19.

The proposal also includes commercial space that will generate income for the fire service and create greater financial resilience.

It is proposed that the new fire station will be constructed and occupied in 2024.

During construction, through careful phasing, the site will retain its operation as a live fire station serving the local community; the fire station redevelopment will bring a significant design boost to the location and strengthen its role as a beacon of safety and security within the Southampton suburb of Redbridge.

Morgan Sindall Construction will be undertaking the build and the proposal has been drawn by HLM Architects.

The fire station is one of three across the fire authority’s estate which are being modernised in a £27 million investment programme.