PCC gives green light on new £17.6m Police and Fire Hub in Redditch
Plans have been approved and a building contractor appointed to construct a new Police and Fire Hub in the heart of Redditch.
West Mercia Police and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are working in partnership to bring a joint blue light services hub to the Worcestershire town.
Following planning approval, building contractor Speller Metcalfe has been appointed to construct the facility on Middle House Lane to the tune of £17.6 million, with the cost of the project being met by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) – 64.05% – and HWFRS (35.95%).
The new site is set to replace outdated and unfit provision with the aim to improve delivery services for local residents and the surrounding areas, ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money.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.
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 have heard loud and clear from communities that they want their police force to be visible and accessible. This new fit-for-purpose building will see officers at the heart of the community serving the public.
“I am pleased to see plans approved and a contractor appointed, and we’re pleased to be progressing this joint development with the PCC and West Mercia Police,” said Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce.
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.
Externally, the site will house a large car park to serve both staff and site visitors.
“Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority are eager to progress the opportunity to build a fire station that meets the needs of the modern fire service; the new facilities will aid the delivery of our core strategies of Response, Protection and Prevention,” said Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce.
“The new shared facility will also strengthen joint responses to emergencies, and builds on our commitment to collaborate with our blue-light partners.”
Worcestershire construction company Speller Metcalfe has now been appointed as the building contractor to deliver the scheme:
“We are excited to get started on this innovative project,” said Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe. “As a Worcestershire contractor, we understand how important it is to deliver both a modern building that meets the needs of a 21st century police and fire service, but also provides value for money to the communities of Redditch.”
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.
Procured through the Pagabo Medium Works framework, the scheme is due to complete in 2024.
