'Safer, comfortable, energy-efficient': Major refurbishment completed of County Durham fire station
The Darlington-based 186 Property Solutions has completed the major refurbishment of a County Durham fire station.
The four-month redevelopment of Consett Community Fire Station transformed the site's internal layout and infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and significantly reducing energy consumption and its overall carbon footprint.
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The works involved creating new shower facilities, an expanded gym, drying room and briefing room, alongside relocating lockers from corridors to a dedicated space to improve accessibility and safety. Staff welfare areas and offices have also been fully remodelled to better support operational requirements.
Significant upgrades to the building's fabric include the installation of triple-glazed windows, composite doors, a new energy-efficient heating system, upgraded electrics and LED lighting. Throughout the refurbishment, the fire station was fully operational.
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Keith Lazzari, director of corporate resources at CDDFRS, said: "The refurbished station has created a safer, more comfortable and energy-efficient working environment for our brilliant firefighters and service staff.
"The work was completed without compromising our ability to respond to emergencies, which was a key priority throughout. We have had great feedback from our crews who are based at the station 24/7 protecting our communities."
Tom Sowerby, contracts manager at 186 Property Solutions, added: "We're proud to have completed this refurbishment which delivers high-quality improvements that will benefit both staff and the wider community for years to come.
“Careful planning and close collaboration with CDDFRS allowed the station to remain operational throughout."