New Fire Station Opens in Bishop’s Waltham After Major Rebuild
Local dignitaries and senior fire officers gathered at the Lower Lane site to officially open the brand-new Bishop’s Waltham Fire Station. Firefighters have been based here since 1960, but the old building was demolished last year to make way for the sleek, modern facility.
Planning to Punch-Ready in Just Three Years
- Planning permission granted in August 2021
- Fire crew moved to a temporary site in February 2022
- Old station demolished weeks later
- Ground-breaking ceremony held in spring 2022
- First weekly drill held at new station just weeks ago
On-call firefighters, who live locally and respond via pagers, have already started training in the new building this month.
Leading the Way: Fire Chief Proud of New Station
“We are committed to providing stations with modern and inclusive facilities for our colleagues and the communities we proudly serve,” said Chief 123. “Working closely with Morgan Sindall Construction, we ensured the new build fits our design principles. It’s brilliant to officially open the station and celebrate all the hard work.”
He added the project is part of a wider plan, with upgrades planned for more Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire stations—and a brand-new Cosham station ready to open next year.
Construction Leaders Celebrate Community Focus
“It’s fantastic to complete such a significant project for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the local community,” said Cliff Kinch, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction.
“The new station meets the evolving needs of firefighters with improved, modern facilities, creating a better environment. Throughout the build, we worked with local residents to deliver a lasting social and economic legacy.”
Meanwhile, work has kicked off on Cosham’s new three-storey fire station, featuring upgraded training rooms, contamination control zones, and space for partner organisations. Wholetime firefighters there will move into the new site across the road next year.
The last fire station built by the service opened in Basingstoke five years ago.
