North East firm GRADONARCHITECTURE have revealed the newly completed Ponteland Community Fire Station which has become part of Northumberland County Council £42m funding for a comprehensive network of community facilities which are to also include the opening of two new Schools, a state-of-the art leisure centre with pool, gym and climbing and further facilities.
Despite initial objections being made from local residents, the decision was taken to demolish the original Fire station and relocate the facility to Callerton Lane.
Gradon’s design of the facility comprises of an arrangement composed over two banks of accommodation – operational and ancillary. The operational facilities are positioned within a single story building and connected via a centrifugal corridor to the first floor ancillary spaces which house a kitchen, office space, server and plant room for the stations use. A further 13 parking bays have also been created to enable better access to the site. Elements of sustainability have also been utilised within the design. Water harvesting systems have been implemented via roller shutters and shelters to retain water openings within the buildings envelope and collect and reuse the water on-site.
The station will service Ponteland village and the surrounding areas of Northumberland, without compromising the dispatch times given the minor distance in relocation. However, the facility will also operate as a part time training facility and the building includes a 14 metre high training tower and drill yard to accommodate training purposes.
The scheme has been delivered by Kier construction and has been welcomed by members of the Council and the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service who had highlighted the need for an upgraded facility in order to effectively serve the local communities. Gradon have had a successful year working in partnership with Northumberland Council, having secured contracts on a number of multi-million pound projects including several North East Schools such as Haydon Bridge and New Delaval, both of which are nearing completion.
Gradon’s Technical Director Graeme Kirkley who has worked on the project throughout its delivery has commented on the success of completing another public authority building, “It is fantastic to see this essential community facility be completed and for the Fire and Service to now have a facility which enables them to do their vital work to the best of their ability. Throughout the design process it was essential for us that we worked alongside the Council and Fire service to ensure that their requirements were exceeded, with their operational and training needs both being delivered to a high standard.
