Work on new fire station at Hicks Gate passes half-way point

Work to build a brand new fire station between Bristol and Bath has now passed the halfway point according to Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

In the last few weeks the steel frame at Hicks Gate Fire Station near Keynsham has been erected, floors have been laid and work to clad the building is well underway. To mark the passing of the halfway point of the build a ‘topping out’ ceremony took place on Tuesday 22 September.

The building works at the site at Durley Hill began in March 2015 as part of Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Investing for the Future programme. The scheme included plans to build new fire stations at Hicks Gate and Temple Back, build a new headquarters and expand and upgrade Kingswood Fire Station.

The programme was announced in 2014 as part of efforts to make annual savings of £4.5million as a result of reductions in funding from central Government.

Chairman of Avon Fire Authority, Councillor Peter Abraham, said: “I’m delighted with the progress being made at Hicks Gate which will be the first brand new fire station opened in Avon since 1980.

“Work remains on target for the station to be operational in early 2016, providing vital services to the whole area and to the communities of Keynsham and Brislington in particular.”

The new fire station at Hicks Gate is being built by Willmott Dixon and will cost £6.2 million. The work is currently progressing on schedule and the station is expected to be open in early 2016.

As part of Willmott Dixons ‘Considerate Constructors Scheme’ a donation was recently made to the Brislington Vipers girls cricket teams. The contractors made a donation which will be used to fund much needed coaching and equipment for the Under 11 and Under 13 girls’ teams.

Alan Lynch from the Brislington Vipers said: “Willmott Dixon saw the benefit of a close link with the girls’ teams given their support of Women in Construction initiatives and we are very grateful for their progressive attitude and willingness to support our community effort.

“They were kind enough to give, what to us is a substantial gift, and we would like to acknowledge this philanthropic gesture. This has been a fantastic opportunity for our girls to get a strong start to their cricketing lives and we hope to build on it in the future to the benefit of all local sporting girls.”

For more information on Avon's Investing for the Future project visit www.avonfire.gov.uk/investing-for-the-future.