New Police and Fire Hub on track for Autumn completion
An ambitious project in the heart of Redditch is near completion.
The flagship joint-hub project in Middle House Lane, bringing both police and fire under one roof, has been led by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion in partnership with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Predominantly an administrative hub, both services will share a range of amenities including a main kitchen, gym, toilets, conference and meeting rooms, with additional fire service facilities consisting of a new accommodation unit, drill tower and appliance bay for three service vehicles.
Superintendent Mel Paley, North Worcestershire LPA Commander, said: “I’m delighted the new police and fire hub remains on track to be delivered by the end of this year.
“This new building will give our officers a modern platform with the very latest facilities and resources to protect and serve the people of Redditch.
“We look forward to moving in and making it our home as we continue our duty to keep residents safe 24/7.”
The new site is set to replace outdated and unfit provision with the aim to improve delivery services for local residents and the surrounding areas, ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money. It will also strengthen joint response to emergency incidents by bringing both police and fire service delivery under one roof.
Ade Elliott, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at HWFRS said: “Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) have an ambitious property programme and Redditch Fire Station is part of that plan. Following project approval by the Fire Authority we have worked extremely hard with the PCC and West Mercia Police to deliver this new facility, and this project is testament to what collaboration can achieve.
“This new joint facility will enable HWFRS to continue to deliver our core strategies of; Prevention, Protection and Response to the community.
“The Fire Service, and of course local fire fighters, are eager to move into the new building when completed later this year.”
Following a near two-year journey, a lot has changed, with contractor Speller Metcalfe now focusing on bringing the building’s interior to life to complete the hub:
Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “You can now see how the project is really coming together, with much of the work left to complete as internal finishes and commissioning. This scheme has been a fantastic example of collaboration between the project team, and we’re delighted to help the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner in realising his aspirations to create a community-led hub that will support the residents, businesses and visitors of Redditch for years to come.”
Built to the highly sustainable BREEAM Good standard, the project will incorporate a number of energy efficient measures to improve performance, such as air source heat pumps and EV car charge points.
As set out in the Safer West Mercia Plan, the PCC will continue to reform West Mercia Police by investing in new projects, so the force has the tools and resources they need to meet the ever-changing needs of communities.
PCC John Campion said: “I’ve been very clear that when facilities do not meet the needs of local communities, I will take action.
“It’s encouraging to see the rapid development of a fit-for-purpose hub that will allow our services to deliver for the public.
“Investing in this building for both the force and fire service shows my commitment to ensure police officers in Redditch are based at the very heart of the communities they proudly serve.”
Procured through the Pagabo Medium Works framework, the scheme is due to complete this autumn.
