Joint police and fire station opens in Worcestershire

A new joint police and fire station has opened in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, replacing the town’s ageing separate stations.

The station is the first project delivered under the Worcestershire Capital Asset Pathfinder initiative which looks at how a partnership approach between blue light services can lead to better local services, increased value for money and greater efficiencies.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service moved in on April 3, followed by West Mercia Police on April 7. The project has been funded by the police force, with the fire service committing to a 25-year tenancy agreement.

By teaming up, the police and fire service have saved an estimated 20 per cent on building costs. The new site has replaced two old police and fire stations that required extensive refurbishment, were expensive to run and would incur increasing costs in the future to maintain. Environmentally-friendly heating, water and electricity installations are expected to cut annual running costs by 25 per cent.

West Mercia Police’s arrangement with the fire service follows recent attempts across the Warwickshire and West Mercia strategic alliance to build a closer working relationship with the forces’ corresponding blue light services. For example, plans to build a two-force, three-fire service control room to cover the fire and police departments of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire are ongoing.

Barrie Sheldon, deputy police and crime commissioner for West Mercia, said ensuring value for money for residents while maintaining high-quality, accessible services was very important, adding: “Sharing this building with the fire service is a great example of how the force is embracing new ways of working smarter with its partners.”

North Worcestershire Commander Superintendent Kevin Purcell said the new venture cements an already close working relationship.