Law, order and blue light
We understand the sensitivities involved when working in secure environments
Willmott Dixon has secured the £16.9m rebuild of Bath Fire Station for Avon Fire & Rescue Service at the Cleveland Bridge site.
Procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the project will see the demolition of the existing 1938 station and the construction of a modern, energy-efficient replacement that is net zero in operation. The new two-storey station will feature a six-bay appliance building alongside contemporary operational, welfare and training spaces designed around the needs of a modern fire and rescue service. Construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
Richard David, Director at Willmott Dixon in the west:
“The redevelopment of Bath Fire Station is a project we are incredibly proud to deliver. It will offer a modern, high-quality operational environment that will meet the demands of the firefighters at Avon Fire & Rescue, supporting them as they protect the community. We are looking forward to seeing the site transformed from the foundations to a landmark public building that will serve the city for decades to come.”
Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook:
“As we break ground on our new fire station at Bath, it’s a chance to celebrate all the hard work and effort it’s taken to reach this milestone and get excited for the next chapter in its redevelopment. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved in this project. Our staff have shown compassion, drive and resilience in delivering the planning for a building that best serves our communities for generations to come.”
A modern station for a modern service
Built in 1938, Bath Fire Station was one of the oldest in Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s estate and in urgent need of reinvestment. The new station has been designed to protect response times in line with the service’s eight-minute response target, provide better facilities for firefighter safety, health, rest and wellbeing, and lower long-term running, repair and maintenance costs through an energy-efficient, net zero in operation design. The scheme has also been developed to respect the heritage of its Bath surroundings.
While the new station is built, firefighters will continue to serve the community from a temporary station at Roseberry Place, Lower Bristol Road.
Building on a long-standing partnership
The project builds on Willmott Dixon’s established relationship with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, having previously delivered new and refurbished fire stations across the Bristol area, including at Kingswood, Hicks Gate and Temple.
It also adds to the company’s growing portfolio of blue light facilities nationwide. Recent projects for the emergency services include the £25.6m Pendle Police Station in Lancashire, the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, a new fire station and training centre for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, a forensics centre for Thames Valley Police, and new headquarters buildings for Dorset, Humberside and Merseyside police forces.
Willmott Dixon is working alongside architect Building Design Partnership (BDP), M&E engineer Method Consulting and structural engineer Craddy Pitchers to deliver the scheme.