Northern Echo: Fire crews praise modernised Consett station after revamp

A County Durham fire station upgrade has been completed to improve ‘comfort, safety and sustainability’.

Story as covered by Gavin Engelbrecht, Northern Echo, 20th January 2026. View the article here.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has finished a major refurbishment of Consett Community Fire Station, which took four months.

The project, carried out by Darlington-based 186 Property Solutions, focused on improving infrastructure, operational efficiency and sustainability.

Keith Lazzari, director of corporate resources at CDDFRS, said: “The refurbished station has created a safer, more comfortable and energy-efficient working environment for our brilliant firefighters and service staff.

“The work was completed without compromising our ability to respond to emergencies, which was a key priority throughout.

“We have had great feedback from our crews who are based at the station 24/7 protecting our communities.”

The internal upgrade included new shower facilities, an expanded gym, a drying room, a briefing room and a dedicated space for lockers.

Staff offices and welfare spaces were also fully remodelled.

To support efficiency and sustainability, the building now features triple-glazed windows, composite doors, a new energy-efficient heating system, upgraded electrics, LED lighting and reinsulating the loft void.

Suspended ceilings, new flooring, and full internal and external redecoration were also part of the scheme.

The station remained operational throughout the works.

Fire crews and support staff were housed in temporary buildings in the car park for the duration of the refurbishment.

Fire engine bays were largely unaffected, aside from floor painting.

Tom Sowerby, contracts manager at 186 Property Solutions, said: “We’re proud to have completed this refurbishment which delivers high-quality improvements that will benefit both staff and the wider community for years to come.”