PCC gives the go-ahead for £18m blue light hub
Plans have been approved for a new £17.6m Police and Fire hub in Redditch.
Building contractor Speller Metcalfe has been appointed to replace the outdated facility on Middle House Lane and develop a highly sustainable hub to BREEAM Good standard.
The joint development aims to strengthen responses to emergency incidents with both police and fire service delivery under one roof.
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.
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”.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce said: “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”.
West Mercia Police and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are working alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to deliver the project. The PCC will pay 64.05% towards the development with HWFRS paying the remaining 35.95%.
Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe said: “As a Worcestershire contractor, we understand how important it is to deliver both a modern building that meets the needs of a 21st centre police and fire service, but also provides value for money to the communities of Redditch.”
