New Lancaster fire station plans to be discussed by councillors

The modern base would replace the current facility in Cable Street and would be used by both firefighters and paramedics in the city.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) and the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said the new facility would be a good thing for Lancaster, despite the city losing one of its two full-time fire engines in favour of one full-time and one retained engine.

Under the proposals, the existing building in Cable Street will be knocked down and replaced with a new one to accommodate two fire engines and seven ambulances plus rapid response vehicles.

The adjoining building at 38 Cable Street, which is currently occupied by a gym, will become accommodation, recreation and administration space for staff.

The plans also include a new watch tower, car parking, and a 2.4m high perimeter wall around the site.

LFRS successfully bid for £2.4m of government funding to rebuild the station.

John Taylor from LFRS said recruitment for the new retained service had been over subscribed, resulting in a high calibre of candidates.

He said: “The current station was built in 1973 and has become somewhat unfit for purpose. With the new set-up, the turning out of fire engines will be optimised in terms of getting access to the station.

“There will be much improved domestic arrangements, better parking, and more community facilities for members of the public in terms of fire safety education. There will be no reduction in provision during the transition.

“There’s obviously a close link between fire and ambulance services, and this will be good for Lancaster.”

Mr Taylor added that the transition from two full-time engines to one engine and one retained engine in Lancaster would coincide with the completion of the new facility.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We believe these proposals would be an exciting and positive venture for both organisations, as they would allow us to further improve our collaboration with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

“The trust already successfully shares other premises with our fire and police colleagues throughout the north west and as well as the financial benefits it would bring, it also helps to improve our working relationships and practices to benefit the local community.”

If the plans are given the go-ahead – they have been recommended for approval by city council officers – then a decision would be made by the NWAS Trust regarding the future use of the ambulance station in Langdale Road.

Meanwhile, an application relating to the proposed science park at Lancaster University will also be discussed at Monday’s planning meeting.

A renewal of an outline application for the science park, along with a full application for a new access off the A6, construction of an internal spine road and provision of landscaping, and removal of various conditions on the full planning permission, are all to be decided upon.