Construction begins on new community fire station in Stockport
- Construction has officially started on Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's (GMFRS) latest community fire station rebuild in Stockport
- New fire station is expected to be completed by autumn 2026
- This is part of £51 million estates investment approved in 2021, with three new fire stations built on the existing sites of current stations
Construction has officially begun for the new community fire station in central Stockport. Spades are now in the ground for the King Street West site which will deliver a modern fire station for the community and beyond.
Demolition of the site began in August, clearing the way for construction to begin. The new fire station is set to be complete in autumn 2026, with Stockport’s firefighters temporarily working from neighbouring Whitehill Community Fire Station.
Firefighters are continuing their usual duties in and around Stockport Central’s station area, including prevention activities, school visits and training, with no reduction in the amount of fire engines or firefighters in the borough during the rebuild process.
Upon reopening, the station will be renamed ‘Stockport Central Community Fire Station’, following feedback from crew members and local residents.
The start of construction for the site was marked by a ceremonial ‘spade in the ground’ event held on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 to celebrate the significant milestone.
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:
“This investment in our estate is creating new facilities that the community can benefit from and be proud of. It is vitally important that there is no reduction in fire cover for Stockport during this rebuild, so it’s great that crews have been accommodated and able to carry out their duties from nearby Whitehill.
“Modernising our estate is a key part of our Fire Plan, ensuring it is fit for purpose and meets the needs of our workforce and the public.”
Sarah Nattrass, GMFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said:
“It’s great to see construction on our third new-build community fire station getting underway. These new fire stations will provide a positive and engaging presence in their local communities while giving our staff the modern facilities they deserve.
“I am proud of all the work that has gone into our estates programme, building an estate that is fit for a modern Greater Manchester.”
The new stations are part of a £51m investment in our estates, first approved in 2021. Stockport Central is just one of our stations being rebuilt, with Blackley estimated to be up and running in late November this year, and Whitefield in autumn 2026.
The event featured a welcome from Stockport and Whitehill station manager, Carl Petch, followed by a speech from the deputy mayor and GMFRS Director of Corporate Support, Andrea Heffernan. The event was also attended by GMFRS colleagues, including the Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sarah Nattrass and crew from Stockport station, alongside staff from contractor Seddon and local councillors in the area who have been involved in the consultations and community engagement activities related to this project.
As part of its ongoing commitment to social value, contractor Seddon has generously donated £5,000 to The Fire Fighters Charity. This vital contribution will help provide specialist lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.
Speaking about the donation, Seddon said:
"We’re proud to support The Fire Fighters Charity and the incredible work it does for those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. Giving back is an important part of our values, and we hope this donation makes a real difference."
Article Published: 28/10/2025 13:29 PM