A SOUTHAMPTON fire station is set to be given a new lease of life.

Plans to rebuild Redbridge Fire Station as part of a £27m investment have been unveiled.

The news was confirmed by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service as it said most fire stations in the county are more than 50 years old and the demands of the service have changed “significantly” over this time. 

Details of the project are yet to be unveiled as a planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.

But fire bosses said the building will be “a collaboratively designed and cohesive public services building that will continue to serve the local community”.

The existing fire station is also used by the police and Border Force.

Construction work is expected to be carried out in phases “to enable all services to continue to operate while in temporary accommodation”.

The fire station in  Bishop’s Waltham is also expected to be rebuilt while a new fire station is planned for a site in Cosham.

Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Neil Odin, said: “Investment in our fire stations is a fantastic opportunity for us. It will not only provide better facilities for our people to work and train, but also build relationships with other public sector partners. It is vital that as a service we are visible and accessible to the public, which is why all new stations will have dedicated facilities to engage with our communities.”

The news has been welcomed by Redbridge councillor Lee Whitbread, inset.

He said: “Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is at the front line providing vital assistance within the community. Demands have changed and whilst fighting fires remains the bread and butter of what they do, it’s important to note that they support other emergency services and the local council with issues such as flooding and road traffic accidents. These new facilities are a huge boost to our local area and will mean that residents can sleep soundly knowing that our firefighters have the buildings, tools and equipment they need to continue providing the excellent service to our residents.”

The new fire station in Lower Lane, Bishop’s Waltham is expected to be the first station to begin construction and this project will specifically aim to improve resilience against flooding, it has been confirmed.

Meanwhile Cosham, in Portsmouth, will see the permanent relocation of the existing fire station in Wayte Street to a larger site in Northern Road, formerly used by Portsmouth Craft and Manufacturing Industries (PCMI).