The Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service PFI scheme was the pathfinder project to test the government’s preferred Public/Private Partnership approach to the provision of new fire and rescue facilities throughout the country. The project included six community fire stations as well as a new headquarters and technical services centre. The design of the buildings, located in Gateshead, Newcastle and Sunderland, needed to take account of the fire service’s requirement to address community involvement as part of their desire to prevent fires and other emergencies rather than simply respond to them. The changing pattern of workforce demographics was recognised in the brief as part of the service’s aim to increase both gender and ethnic diversity within the fire service.
The community facilities are at the heart of the buildings with clear views, but no access, into the operational core. The entrances are community friendly and easily identified and lead directly into the community safety office which houses staff trained to provide advice relating to fire and safety issues. Meeting rooms and facilities are incorporated and are free for community use on a programmed basis. Although individual fire stations differ in the number of appliances accommodated, and their size related to staff numbers, all use the same basic plan form which allows staff movement between stations without the need for unnecessary re-orientation.
As a direct result of the Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service PFI scheme Napper Architects were asked to contribute to the working group informing the government publication ‘Achieving Design Quality in Fire & Rescue Buildings’, which acts as core design guidance for fire service emergency buildings.
