Issued on: Thursday 7 August 2025

Fire Station to mark successful refurbishment with open afternoon

Eastern Fire and Rescue Station in Leicester is to be officially reopened, following several months of modernising refurbishment work, on Saturday 16 August, with an open afternoon event for the public marking the occasion.

Members of the recently elected Combined Fire Authority (CFA) and guests will attend an official opening ceremony in the morning, before the doors are opened to the public for an afternoon of fire safety-based events for the community to enjoy in a free event.

The Fire Station, which was first opened in 1973, closed temporarily last year for much-needed refurbishment works costing £1.5M, while Fire Service employees and their equipment relocated to the nearby Army Reserve Centre. Works completed earlier this year, on time and under budget.

Anthony Wildgoose, Group Manager for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We're inviting the public to see our newly refurbished Fire Station as part of an enjoyable summer event for the whole community. The successful refurbishment of this 50-year-old station ensures it continues to meet the standards for our modern Service, and we're very happy with the results."

The work included a full internal refurbishment, improved decontamination facilities, universal toilets, an expanded gym for employees to maintain fitness levels, plus updates to the exterior of the Fire Station facing Hastings Road, including new signage and a repositioned front door.

Anthony continued: "We'd like to thank the local community for their patience while the work was carried out at Eastern Fire Station. As a Service we are also indebted to the local Army Reserve Centre for hosting us at their local centre for several months while this refurbishment took place."

The project was carried out by consultants YMD Boon. Anton Woods, Associate Chartered Building Surveyor at YMD Boon said: "We're proud to have delivered the extensive refurbishment project at Eastern Fire Station, where our focus was on providing modern solutions to support the vital work of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. This project highlights our commitment to upgrading essential public services, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve local communities for years to come."

The successful project marks another significant investment for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service following the completion of the refurbishment works at Market Bosworth and Western Fire and Rescue Stations in recent years. Works are also planned later this year to update facilities at Southern Fire and Rescue Station near Fosse Park.

ENDS

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.

Contact:

Corporate Communications

Direct: 0116 210 5756

Corporate.communications@leics-fire.gov.uk