Work started on Burnley's £3million fire station (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Work started on Burnley's £3million fire station

11:00pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By David Watkinson, Deputy news editor

BURNLEY’S £3million fire station is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening next year.

Demolition began at the Belvedere Road site in the summer as work began on the brigade’s new divisional headquarters for the Pennine area.

The station is being built as the former one, which went up in 1965, was deemed unsuitable for use.

Accessibility was poor, the appliance bays were inefficient and there was not enough space for community-related activities including training.

The new community hub will include a meeting room for about 40 people for use by local groups, as well as the use of a gym, kitchen and dining areas.

Fire crews are currently using temporary rooms and garages.

A fire service spokesman said: “So far we have not had any operational issues at all during the building work.

“There has been no adverse impact on our turnout capability.

“We are looking forward to the work being completed.”

While the work is taking place fire engines are leaving the site from the side entrance on to Ormerod Road.

Construction giants Balfour Beatty are overseeing the project, which will see them finance, build and operate the fire station for the next 25 years.

The scheme is part of a £17million private finance initiative which also involves similar community fire stations for Blackburn and Chorley.

Building work has been completed on the Blackburn station, situated underneath Wainwright Bridge, off Canterbury Street.

The spokesman said: “It is now a well established design and we have seen how good the fire station in Blackburn looks.”