Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has unveiled the new location for its Sunderland North Community Fire Station.
The proposed site for the new community fire station is in the Marley Pots area of Sunderland and it will replace the Service’s oldest station based in Fulwell, which was built in 1945.
Situated in the heart of the community with good access routes, the station’s new location will mean fire crews are nearer to people who may be more at risk from having a fire.
Three years ago Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service revealed its intention to relocate its Sunderland North Fire Station from Fulwell. This was followed by extensive consultation with the local community on its plans.
The new site is in an area currently being redeveloped between Old Mill Road and Marley Crescent. The plot of land is currently empty.
Sunderland North Fire Station is home to one fire appliance. The new community fire station will continue to be home to the fire appliance as well as provide new community facilities to promote fire safety in the community. The facility includes a community safety centre providing advice and practical help on how people in the area can stay safe from fire. It will also have meeting rooms which can be used by the local community.
Chief Fire Officer Iain Bathgate, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are delighted that we are now in a position to realise our plans and I am confident that this will ensure we continue to provide the best fire and rescue service to our local community.
“Over the last few years the number of fires has reduced. This is excellent news and a direct result of the increased emphasis we have placed on community safety. However should the worst happen you want to know that the fire and rescue service will be able to respond quickly. It will also have a community safety centre where local people and organisations can get advice and information on how to stay safe from fire. Local people will be encouraged to use our meeting rooms and to visit the centre; long gone are the days where people were discouraged from going to their fire station. Our fire stations are a key part of the community.”
Sunderland City Council, Portfolio Holder for Safer City and Culture, Councillor John Kelly, said: “We have been working closely with our community safety partners and the local community to see what kind of fire station they would like to see developed to serve this part of the city.
“A community fire station not only houses highly trained staff and the best possible equipment to deal with fires, but also the community safety centre where people can learn more about fire prevention within their own homes.”
Ian Porter, Managing Director, Gentoo Sunderland said: “At Gentoo we have been working closely with the Fire and Rescue Service to facilitate building of the new Sunderland North Community Fire Station. This is great news for the local community and we are delighted to play a part securing this land, contributing further to the regeneration of the area.”
The Service will be submitting a planning application later this year to build the new Sunderland North Community Fire Station. It is hoped that building on the site will begin in the later part of 2013 with the new community fire station opening in the winter of 2014.
If you would like to comment on the Service's proposed site for the new Sunderland North Community Fire Station please email consultation@twfire.gov.uk.
