WITH just days to go until Evesham's newly-built fire station opens, the Journal was invited for a sneak peek at the new facilities.

Work began to build the new, glass-fronted site off Abbey Road in February, after the town's former, 50-year-old station was deemed no longer fit for purpose.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) will officially transfer to the new station at around 9am on Monday, December 12.

The large, two-storey building - based next to Evesham Leisure Centre - features a host of modern facilities, including a gym, kitchen, office space, training room, study room, locker rooms, muster bay and more.

Stephen Fox, station commander, said: "The old station is no longer fit for purpose for a modern day fire service.

"The station facilities of the old place are very dated in terms of meeting the demands of the modern fire service.

"This place is far superior. Not only for the day to day stuff, from the kitchen and toilet facilities, but the heating, the efficiencies of the building and the facilities we have in terms of training."

The station's new appliance room is large enough for Evesham's two fire engines, water carrier and water rescue vehicle, with space left for extra vehicles which may need to be stored at the site.

The station has also been designed with special facilities for the water rescue crew to decontaminate and store their kit after returning from an incident. 

Outside, there is a state-of-the-art strategic training facility (STF) where firefighters can learn how to use breathing apparatus equipment in a simulated emergency situation.

Before erecting the STF, 70 tonnes of soil contaminated by oil from a house previously at the site had to be removed by the builders Greswolde Construction.

To mark the official opening of the station next Monday morning, there will be a parade along Abbey Road and ceremony at the new site.

Retired fire service personnel will be in attendance, along with special guest Roy Corbet, who was the first station commander at the old fire station. 

The project came about when HWFRS was approached by Wychavon District Council, which plans to develop the former fire station into a new Waitrose store as part of the economic regeneration of the town.

The council is investing a total of £10 million into the town redevelopment project, including contributing £3 million towards building the new fire station.

The construction work was project managed by Place Partnership.

Firefighters will continue to operate from the station in Merstow Green until the hand-over next Monday morning.