Issued on: Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Eastern Fire and Rescue Station Refurbishment Project Announced

We are pleased to announce that Eastern Fire and Rescue Station, located on Hastings Road, Leicester, is starting an exciting refurbishment project this summer! We are investing over £1.5 million in improving your local Fire and Rescue Station starting Tuesday, 27 August 2024. This marks another significant investment for the Service following the completion of the refurbishment works at Market Bosworth and Western Fire and Rescue Stations.

Eastern Fire and Rescue Station has been serving the local community since its opening in 1973. After 50 years, it is due for a much-needed refurbishment to ensure it continues to meet the standards of a modern-day fire and rescue service. This includes a full refurbishment, improved facilities for decontamination, and updates to the exterior of the Station, featuring a brand-new sign and centralised door.

Group Manager Anthony Wildgoose said, "As a Service, we are proud to continually invest in our facilities. During the refurbishment, it is imperative that we maintain our fire cover and operational readiness to serve the communities of Evington, North Evington, Spinney Hills, and Thurncourt.

"To achieve this, we will be temporarily relocating our Station to a nearby location (the Army Reserve Centre), less than one mile from the current Station.

"This temporary move ensures that we will still be able to respond to emergency incidents in the local community."

The refurbishment project is being carried out by YMD Boon. Anton Woods, Associate Chartered Building Surveyor, YMD Boon, has said, "We are proud to be involved in the extensive refurbishment project at Eastern Fire and Rescue Station, where our focus is on delivering modern solutions that support the vital work of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. By carefully planning and coordinating the work, we aim to enhance the facility while minimising any impact on daily operations. This project highlights our commitment to upgrading essential public services, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve the community for years to come."

Stuart Williams OBE is the Chief Executive of East Midlands Reserves Forces and Cadets Association, which hires out suitable military venues to the public for corporate, sports, and training events through its Alternative Venues programme.

He said: "When we heard Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were in need of a temporary base, we were only too happy to help.

"Our two organisations share a lot in common – from the type of facilities we rely on to the fact our people add great value to society – and I hope this temporary move marks the start of a fruitful new relationship.

"Our estate's versatility, in terms of facilities and locations across the region, enable us to hire out spaces for all manner of occasions, from blood donations to additional event parking, corporate events and even taekwondo classes."

The work is planned to be finished in early 2025, and we value the community's support and understanding during this time. We encourage residents to stay informed through our updates on social media and reach out with any questions or concerns.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
Interviews can be arranged through prior arrangement with Corporate Communications on the details below.

About the Service

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.

During 2022/23, we attended a total of 9.440 emergency incidents, including 2.650 fires and 710 road traffic collisions. A total of 13,660 Home Safety Checks were completed and we fitted 4,767 smoke alarms. 238 schools were visited as part of the Service's schools programme, delivering fire and road safety education to 21,033 pupils.

The Service's prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents attended.

Contact:

Corporate Communications

Direct: 0116 210 5756

Corporate.communications@leics-fire.gov.uk

If you would like to find out more about the Army Reserve Centre Alternative Venues programme, please email Marie Gill at em-est-offr1@rfca.mod.uk