New Ponteland fire station completed as part of £42 million regeneration package

A new community fire station has been revealed in Ponteland as part of Northumberland County Council’s £42 million funding plans for a comprehensive network of community facilities.

Including two new schools and a state-of-the-art leisure centre with pool, gym and climbing the council’s plans should act as a springboard for the regeneration of the area.

Designed by Gradon Architecture, the new fire station is made up of two banks of accommodation – operational and ancilliary.

The operation 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.

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 and reuse on-site.

Local residents initially opposed the plans, but the decision was taken to demolish the original fire station and relocate the new facility on Callerton Lane.

It is also thought that the station will service Ponteland village and the surrounding areas of Northumberland, without compromising the dispatch times given the minor distance in relocation.

The scheme has been delivered by Kier construction and Gradon Architecture working in partnership with Northumberland Council.

Gradon’s technical director Graeme Kirkley, who has worked on the project throughout its delivery, said: “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.”