Milestone reached on replacement Blackley Fire Station
The old Rochdale Road premises have been demolished to make way for a modern facility at the same location.
ISG is the main contractor on the project which will see the development of a 9,700 sq ft two-storey structure designed to be environmentally friendly, with sustainable heating and lighting systems installed.
It is part of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s programme of improvements.
In addition to the station, the project includes a training yard, training tower, wash area, and parking for 11 vehicles.
A beam signing has taken place to mark the progress of the development which is on track to be ready next year.
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It was great to see the brilliant progress up close at the construction site for Blackley Community Fire Station.
“After a site tour, you can see how this station will come together to serve the community and protect the generations of the future.
“I’m proud to see my signature on the steel beam that forms part of the structure of the new fire station, marking a significant moment in the history of this fantastic service that protects its communities and saves lives.”
Dave Russel, chief fire officer at GMFRS, said: “I feel immensely proud to see the first of our new community fire stations starting to take shape.
“Thanks again to residents and our staff members, who had their say in shaping the new station – a true example of how we work together and invest in our people, Greater Manchester and its residents while striving to become a modern, environmentally friendly, flexible and resilient fire and rescue service.”
This project forms part of GMFRS’s wider 16-year estate improvements programme, which saw £38m announced by the former Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester three years ago.
The programme’s first phase runs until 2026 with modern stations to be built in other areas of Greater Manchester. Next in the pipeline is Whitefield with preparation work underway.
Smaller scale upgrades are also being made to stations across the city region as part of a station refresh programme.
Mike Kennedy-Gill, framework manager at ISG, said: “This significant construction milestone demonstrates real progress on the realisation of Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s investment masterplan.
“Delivering new state-of-the-art community facilities will further enhance the service’s capabilities, while a core focus on carbon reduction and energy efficiency measures will mitigate the environmental impact and reduce running costs for these new assets.”
Architect Bradshaw Gass & Hope is on the project team, which includes Harley Haddow, LK Group, and Pennine Ecological.
In addition to Blackley and Whitefield, GMCA is looking to rebuild the Heywood, King Street, and Whitehill fire stations.
To view the Blackley plans, search for application reference number 136722/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
