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14 March 2025
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Fire stations of the world: A unified approach to emergency services: The Redditch Police and Fire Hub, UK
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In January 2025, the new, state-of-the-art joint police and fire station opened in Redditch, located on Middlehouse Lane, providing a modern and efficient facility for West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Designed with efficiency, sustainability and collaboration at its core, the Redditch Police and Fire Hub incorporates modern facilities and sustainable solutions to enhance operational effectiveness while minimising environmental impact. Fire crews cover the 31 districts of the town with its population of approximately 90 000.
The Redditch Police and Fire Hub ensures greater value for taxpayers’ money and boosting the service to local communities.
Constructed by building contractor Speller Metcalfe, the £18million project has been led by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and overseen by his Estates Team in partnership with West Mercia Police and HWFRS.
Redditch is one of the most active in the service, attending around 1 200 call outs a year, from Wythall and the M42 motorway in the north, down to Inkberrow and Feckenham further south.
Redditch Fire Station is made up of both wholetime firefighters and on-call firefighters. The station is crewed by four wholetime watches, who are supported by a large pool of on-call firefighters that respond to emergency calls whenever they are needed.
The crews have two Scania fire appliances. These appliances are first-line attack engines that can carry a crew of up to six firefighters, along with firefighting and rescue equipment. The station also has an enhanced Water First Responder capability. The watches also crew the incident support vehicle (ISV), offering enhanced breathing apparatus control, salvage and hazardous materials support.
On-call drill nights are held at the Fire Station every Monday commencing at 18h30.
From the architects, Bond Bryan
In an era where efficiency and collaboration between emergency services are paramount, the upcoming Redditch Police and Fire Hub is set to become a benchmark for smart, integrated design. Bond Bryan’s vision for this project extends beyond constructing a building; it is about creating a space where two essential public services can operate seamlessly under one roof.
At the heart of this project is the drive to replace outdated facilities with a future-proofed solution that provides outstanding value to both emergency services and the public. By bringing police and fire services together in a single, purpose-built facility, the hub will maximise shared resources and operational efficiencies. The design enables staff from both services to collaborate more effectively, improving response coordination and enhancing public safety. Shared amenities such as meeting rooms, a main kitchen, a gym, and conference facilities will foster a more integrated working environment, while dedicated fire service provisions including a drill tower, appliance bays and accommodation units, will ensure firefighters have the necessary facilities for rigorous training and rapid response.
Beyond the operational benefits, this project is set to deliver tangible value to the wider community. By ensuring that both services operate from a centralised, modern facility, residents of Redditch can expect improved emergency response times, streamlined communication between agencies, and a stronger emergency services presence in the area. The investment in this hub represents a commitment to safeguarding the future of emergency response in the region, ensuring that public money is spent wisely and effectively.
Impact
The Redditch Police and Fire Hub represents a significant investment in public safety, with both direct and indirect benefits for the region. The most immediate impact will be the operational enhancements for the police and fire services. The state-of-the-art facility will better equip emergency personnel to train, plan and respond to incidents with increased efficiency. The economic impact is also noteworthy. The construction and development of the hub are supporting local jobs and businesses, with many regional suppliers and contractors contributing to its delivery.
In the long term, the facility is designed to reduce running costs, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively while providing a modern, fit-for-purpose environment for staff. Socially, this project reinforces a sense of security and confidence in public services. A well-designed and efficiently run emergency services hub will reassure the community that emergency response teams are well-prepared and equipped. The investment in new infrastructure highlights a forward-thinking approach to public service delivery, demonstrating to the residents of Redditch that their safety remains a priority.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been a key focus throughout the design and construction process. The hub will integrate air source heat pumps to reduce reliance on traditional heating systems and lower carbon emissions. Electric vehicle charging points will support the shift towards greener transportation within emergency services, while photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof will generate renewable energy to help power daily operations. Spatial efficiency has been carefully considered to optimise shared spaces while maintaining dedicated areas for specific functions. This approach ensures that the facility operates at peak efficiency without unnecessary excess, reducing construction waste and material usage.
The streamlined construction process also contributes to sustainability goals. By implementing careful planning and innovative building methods, we are minimising time on site, reducing disruption to the local area and ensuring the facility is delivered efficiently. The Redditch Police and Fire Hub stands as a testament to the power of smart, sustainable design in shaping the future of emergency services.
Opening
PCC John Campion said, “This is a momentous moment for policing in Redditch with the completion of a once in a generation project. In 2023, I set out my ambition to deliver a new police base in the town that enables West Mercia Police to tackle the modern-day challenges it faces, meet the needs of local communities and deliver greater efficiencies. I am immensely proud to have delivered on that promise, with this project representing a key milestone in my Commissionership. I am also grateful for the support from HWFRS and West Mercia Police throughout this journey who have backed my efforts to ensure policing remains in the heart of Redditch for years to come.”
Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce KFSM said, “We are delighted that our latest joint development project with the OPCC and West Mercia Police has produced an excellent facility of which we can all be proud. The new police and fire station meets the needs of the modern fire service and will help us deliver our core strategies of Response, Protection and Prevention to our communities. It’s a building with vastly improved facilities, which will be more energy efficient and sustainable long into the future.”
Temporary Chief Constable Richard Cooper said: “Our move to Middlehouse Lane is the latest chapter in the story of our longstanding policing presence in Redditch and it’s great to see this brilliant new station bolster our teams’ capabilities to serve the public into the future, for many decades to come. This state-of-the-art station sees us partner with our colleagues at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to achieve the best value for money for the taxpayer while investing in our policing infrastructure in north Worcestershire. This building will provide officers and staff with the very latest facilities they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently, continuing their work to serve and protect you around the clock, every day of the year. I’d also like to publicly thank all those involved in seamlessly organising and completing the transfer here from our temporary location in the Kingfisher Centre.”
Mark Hudgeon, Director at Speller Metcalfe said, “We’re thrilled to see the police and fire hub officially open. As a local contractor, we understand the significant impact this new facility will have on the community and the collaborative response of emergency services.”
Sources: Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), Bond Bryan Architects
The Redditch Police and Fire Hub ensures greater value for taxpayers’ money and boosting the service to local communities.
Constructed by building contractor Speller Metcalfe, the £18million project has been led by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and overseen by his Estates Team in partnership with West Mercia Police and HWFRS.
Redditch is one of the most active in the service, attending around 1 200 call outs a year, from Wythall and the M42 motorway in the north, down to Inkberrow and Feckenham further south.
Redditch Fire Station is made up of both wholetime firefighters and on-call firefighters. The station is crewed by four wholetime watches, who are supported by a large pool of on-call firefighters that respond to emergency calls whenever they are needed.
The crews have two Scania fire appliances. These appliances are first-line attack engines that can carry a crew of up to six firefighters, along with firefighting and rescue equipment. The station also has an enhanced Water First Responder capability. The watches also crew the incident support vehicle (ISV), offering enhanced breathing apparatus control, salvage and hazardous materials support.
On-call drill nights are held at the Fire Station every Monday commencing at 18h30.
From the architects, Bond Bryan
In an era where efficiency and collaboration between emergency services are paramount, the upcoming Redditch Police and Fire Hub is set to become a benchmark for smart, integrated design. Bond Bryan’s vision for this project extends beyond constructing a building; it is about creating a space where two essential public services can operate seamlessly under one roof.
At the heart of this project is the drive to replace outdated facilities with a future-proofed solution that provides outstanding value to both emergency services and the public. By bringing police and fire services together in a single, purpose-built facility, the hub will maximise shared resources and operational efficiencies. The design enables staff from both services to collaborate more effectively, improving response coordination and enhancing public safety. Shared amenities such as meeting rooms, a main kitchen, a gym, and conference facilities will foster a more integrated working environment, while dedicated fire service provisions including a drill tower, appliance bays and accommodation units, will ensure firefighters have the necessary facilities for rigorous training and rapid response.
Beyond the operational benefits, this project is set to deliver tangible value to the wider community. By ensuring that both services operate from a centralised, modern facility, residents of Redditch can expect improved emergency response times, streamlined communication between agencies, and a stronger emergency services presence in the area. The investment in this hub represents a commitment to safeguarding the future of emergency response in the region, ensuring that public money is spent wisely and effectively.
Impact
The Redditch Police and Fire Hub represents a significant investment in public safety, with both direct and indirect benefits for the region. The most immediate impact will be the operational enhancements for the police and fire services. The state-of-the-art facility will better equip emergency personnel to train, plan and respond to incidents with increased efficiency. The economic impact is also noteworthy. The construction and development of the hub are supporting local jobs and businesses, with many regional suppliers and contractors contributing to its delivery.
In the long term, the facility is designed to reduce running costs, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively while providing a modern, fit-for-purpose environment for staff. Socially, this project reinforces a sense of security and confidence in public services. A well-designed and efficiently run emergency services hub will reassure the community that emergency response teams are well-prepared and equipped. The investment in new infrastructure highlights a forward-thinking approach to public service delivery, demonstrating to the residents of Redditch that their safety remains a priority.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been a key focus throughout the design and construction process. The hub will integrate air source heat pumps to reduce reliance on traditional heating systems and lower carbon emissions. Electric vehicle charging points will support the shift towards greener transportation within emergency services, while photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof will generate renewable energy to help power daily operations. Spatial efficiency has been carefully considered to optimise shared spaces while maintaining dedicated areas for specific functions. This approach ensures that the facility operates at peak efficiency without unnecessary excess, reducing construction waste and material usage.
The streamlined construction process also contributes to sustainability goals. By implementing careful planning and innovative building methods, we are minimising time on site, reducing disruption to the local area and ensuring the facility is delivered efficiently. The Redditch Police and Fire Hub stands as a testament to the power of smart, sustainable design in shaping the future of emergency services.
Opening
PCC John Campion said, “This is a momentous moment for policing in Redditch with the completion of a once in a generation project. In 2023, I set out my ambition to deliver a new police base in the town that enables West Mercia Police to tackle the modern-day challenges it faces, meet the needs of local communities and deliver greater efficiencies. I am immensely proud to have delivered on that promise, with this project representing a key milestone in my Commissionership. I am also grateful for the support from HWFRS and West Mercia Police throughout this journey who have backed my efforts to ensure policing remains in the heart of Redditch for years to come.”
Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce KFSM said, “We are delighted that our latest joint development project with the OPCC and West Mercia Police has produced an excellent facility of which we can all be proud. The new police and fire station meets the needs of the modern fire service and will help us deliver our core strategies of Response, Protection and Prevention to our communities. It’s a building with vastly improved facilities, which will be more energy efficient and sustainable long into the future.”
Temporary Chief Constable Richard Cooper said: “Our move to Middlehouse Lane is the latest chapter in the story of our longstanding policing presence in Redditch and it’s great to see this brilliant new station bolster our teams’ capabilities to serve the public into the future, for many decades to come. This state-of-the-art station sees us partner with our colleagues at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to achieve the best value for money for the taxpayer while investing in our policing infrastructure in north Worcestershire. This building will provide officers and staff with the very latest facilities they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently, continuing their work to serve and protect you around the clock, every day of the year. I’d also like to publicly thank all those involved in seamlessly organising and completing the transfer here from our temporary location in the Kingfisher Centre.”
Mark Hudgeon, Director at Speller Metcalfe said, “We’re thrilled to see the police and fire hub officially open. As a local contractor, we understand the significant impact this new facility will have on the community and the collaborative response of emergency services.”
Sources: Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), Bond Bryan Architects
