More than £1m is to be spent on a series of upgrades at two Liverpool fire stations.
In a bid to bring Old Swan and Speke and Garston community fire stations up to modern demand, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA) is to seek the approval of its community safety and protection committee to spend almost £1.4m on the work. Both stations were built in 1999 and are single storey buildings.
A report released ahead of the MFRA committee meeting on Thursday said both sites have received regular maintenance and improvements since their construction 24 years ago and are in “fair condition.” However, it is claimed the facilities need improving to “meet the demands of a modern day fire service.”
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The report said the current layouts of both stations are “restrictive” and lack sufficient privacy due to the dormitory style night rooms and shared wash/WC facilities. Under the refurbishment, seven single use study rooms and a number of single gender-neutral shower and washrooms will be installed.
These will be of the same specification to the facilities provided within the newly constructed fire stations. The report, to be discussed later this week, said this will improve the condition of the stations and address findings from the London Fire cultural review and meet current equality legislation.
It added: “The proposed refurbishment will address the findings in the latest access audit and items raised within the access audit carried out in 2021 will be included within the proposals, including a new prayer room, improved external approaches and an improved accessible WC facility. The introduction of gender-neutral study rooms and staff welfare facilities have been designed with the needs of a modern day fire service in mind, the property will be accessible for all staff and visitors alike.”
Further upgrades include general improvements such as replacement furniture and a refresh to the kitchen and mess, offices and operational areas. Gas supplies will be removed from the stations with new electric ovens to be installed, with refurbishment of gym equipment earmarked for inclusion.
More than £690,000 will be spent on each site, according to the report. Author Stewart Woods, MFRS head of estates, said currently supply chain and “market uncertainty” has led to an increase in construction material, labour rates and general works costs.
Mr Woods said: “It is evident within the costs outlined above that this trend has not alleviated in recent months. We have seen this with other schemes such as the TDA development and Newton accommodation development.”
Subject to committee approval, the fire stations will have restricted use for the duration of the projects, with a detailed programme and phasing plan to be provided.
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