A proposal has been submitted to construct a new fire and ambulance headquarters in Durham, enhancing local emergency services.
Durham: Exciting news is brewing in Durham! Plans are in the works to build a new fire and ambulance headquarters right at the current fire station site on Sniperley Farm Road. This new facility will also be home to the North East Ambulance Service, creating a “Blue Light Hub” for emergency services.
The existing fire station, which has been serving the community well, will get a facelift. They’re planning to improve parking and road access, including a new access road from the A691. Sounds like a smart move!
They’re also looking to enhance the external lighting and landscaping, making the area more welcoming. Plus, sustainability is a big deal for this project. They’re even planning to install a wind turbine on-site to help with energy needs.
This new headquarters will cover a whopping 6,330 square meters and will use a mix of materials like brickwork, timber cladding, and metal panels. It’s going to look great!
On top of that, the pitched roof will be equipped with PV panels and green roofs to boost sustainability even more. They’re increasing the parking capacity from 32 to 52 spaces, with extra spots for bikes, disabilities, and ambulances.
To handle busy times, they’re also proposing some overflow parking. A detailed Construction Management Plan is in place, with work expected to kick off in September 2025 and wrap up by September 2026.
During construction, they’ll have temporary fencing to secure the site and traffic management to keep emergency services running smoothly. The new building will be 2.5 stories tall and designed to meet energy-efficiency standards.
It’ll feature renewable energy systems, including rooftop PV panels, heat pumps, and an 18-meter tall wind turbine with a 7.5kW capacity. The layout will include offices, meeting rooms, IT facilities, and dining areas spread across three levels.
According to the documents submitted to Durham County Council, this proposal aligns with several County Durham Plan policies, and the wind turbine is considered suitable for the area. They’re really focused on reducing the carbon footprint with all these green features!
