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Work begins on Prescot Fire
and Police Station
WORK on building a new Community Fire
and Police Station in Prescot will begin shortly as partners gathered at the
Manchester Road Site to celebrate a 'turf cutting' ceremony.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, Merseyside Police, the Police and Crime
Commissioner, and Knowsley MBC have worked together to make the joint station a
reality.
The innovative community project helps the organisations involved meet cuts in
government funding whilst delivering a high quality community resource in
Knowsley.
In Knowsley, this means that Huyton and Whiston fire stations will close when
the new Prescot station is operational and the site was chosen as it provides
the best emergency response cover to the Huyton and Whiston areas.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority has secured the site from Knowsley Borough
Council, and the Department of Communities and Local Government have assisted
with the build costs by the provision of a capital grant. The building will be
constructed by Wates Construction.
Merseyside Police colleagues have been keen to collaborate on the project and
will operate a Community Police Station from the building.
Site preparation works will begin in November 2016, with the building work
starting early in 2017. It is expected that the Station will be fully
operational in February 2018.
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy said:- "I am pleased
that we are now in a position to officially get work underway on this new
Community Fire and Police Station for Prescot.
This joint community station is a good example of our shared commitment to
working together to provide the best possible service to people on Merseyside.
Not only will this Centre reduce costs and increase efficiency, it will also
enable officers and firefighters to work in closer partnership in facilities
which are modern and fit for purpose.
This sod turning ceremony is another step towards fulfilling my 10 year pledge
to provide the officers and staff of Merseyside Police the stations they need to
best serve the public, now and for years to come."
Wates was appointed to build the Prescot Community Fire and Police Station via
the North West Construction Hub (NWCH), a procurement body designed to save time
and money in the delivery of public sector building work in the region.
Tony Shenton, Business Unit Director of Wates Construction North West, said:-
"When investment is made to enhance and modernise the operations of vital
front line services, the absolute priority is that best value for money is
achieved. Our longstanding partnership with Merseyside Fire and Rescue
Services, along with our local knowledge and reputation as a leading contractor
in the region, will enable us to once again deliver an essential emergency
services project efficiency and effectively."
For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call:- 0800
731 5958.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside
residents aged 65 or over.
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