Posted: Thursday 18 May 2023, 16:45
Work on a new fire station for Matlock is set to commence this summer.
Davlyn Construction Limited of Derby have been awarded the contract that will see the £4.35m new build provide the communities of Matlock with a fire station that will be more energy and carbon efficient and meets the needs of a modern fire and rescue service.
The plans for the new Matlock station were initially approved by the Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) in February 2021 as part of the Service’s Capital Construction Programme. Revisions to the estimated cost of the build saw the FRA Chair, Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, and FRA members remain committed to supporting a new station for the communities of Matlock and its firefighters, with a cap on the budget of £5m.
Speaking on the award of the building contract, Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson said: “The existing Matlock station was constructed in 1959 meaning it is reaching the end of its operational life, no longer being fit to support the role of a modern fire and rescue service employing a diverse workforce. In addition, the station no longer demonstrates the Services commitment in Our Plan 2023-2026, to seek to reduce the environmental impact of our buildings, in line with the aims of the Net Zero and Sustainable Development Strategy.
“Despite the financial challenges that all public sector organisations are facing, I am assured that our own fire and rescue authority members recognise the importance of supporting projects that will benefit our communities, the environment, and fire service personnel who will be working on the station for years to come.”
The new Matlock station will occupy a more efficient footprint, with modern facilities designed to meet the needs of a modern fire and rescue service, including individual gender-neutral changing pods and changing areas, solar panels, LED lighting, air source heat pump heating throughout the station and electric vehicle charging points. In addition to this, a state-of-the-art breathing apparatus (BA) training facility will help to ensure firefighters are skilled and equipped to deal with challenging real-life incidents.
During construction there will not be any disruption to the service provided by the firefighters based in Matlock. Temporary accommodation and garaging have been agreed with the YHA (England & Wales) at their headquarters on Dimple Road within the town.
Efficient site redevelopment will allow Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service to offset the cost by selling old housing stock on the site, this represents a responsible investment, providing value for money to our communities.
