Consett fire station refurbishment delivers modern, energy-efficient facilities
A major refurbishment of Consett Community Fire Station has been successfully completed, reinforcing County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s (CDDFRS) commitment to providing modern, efficient and sustainable facilities for its frontline teams.
The four-month project, delivered by Darlington-based 186 Property Solutions, transformed the station’s internal layout and infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and significantly reducing energy consumption and its overall carbon footprint.
The works involved creating new shower facilities, an expanded gym, drying room and briefing room, alongside relocating lockers
from corridors to a dedicated space to improve accessibility and safety. Staff welfare areas and offices have also been fully remodelled to better support operational requirements.
Significant upgrades to the building’s fabric include the installation of triple-glazed windows, composite doors, a new energy-efficient heating system, upgraded electrics and LED lighting, reinsulating the loft void, and fitting suspended ceilings, new flooring, and a full programme of internal and external redecoration.
Throughout the refurbishment, the fire station was fully operational, with fire crews and support staff temporarily accommodated in five fully serviced buildings installed in the station’s car park by 186 Property Solutions. The fire engine bays were largely unaffected, aside from floor painting, allowing frontline services to continue uninterrupted.
Project details
Project Manager – Tom Sowerby
Contract duration – 4 months
Form of tender – JCT Contractor Design
Sector – Public Sector, Electrical & Lighting
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.”
Tom Sowerby, Contracts Manager at 186 Property Solutions, added: “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. Careful planning and close collaboration with CDDFRS allowed the station to remain operational throughout.”
The Consett scheme marks the second project delivered by 186 Property Solutions for CDDFRS, following its refurbishment of Middleton-in-Teesdale Fire Station, which included upgraded flooring, lighting, WCs and showers, and full internal decoration.
