Firefighters at Stockport Central Community Fire Station have been given a pole drop for the first time in almost 60 years, after the station reopened as a new £6 million two-storey facility.
The old building on King Street West, on the border of the town centre and Edgeley, opened in the 1960s and was single-storey, so there was no need for one.
Station manager Carl Petch said: "Most crews have worked here at Stockport all their careers, and they'd never been to a pole drop station."
New facility replaces single-storey building
The state-of-the-art new facility has opened on the same site as the previous one, which was demolished after closing for the final time last July. There were emotional scenes as retired firefighters joined their current counterparts for a final parade.
"It's almost like a childhood dream, isn't it. To be a firefighter....the sirens go off, down the pole, straight to the fire engine," said Carl. "So to have it is a great addition."
Previously mooted plans to merge Stockport Central Community Fire Station with Whitehill station in Reddish were shelved after bosses were unable to find an affordable, suitable new site. Instead, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) announced they would be retaining both stations and rebuilding them at a cost of £6 million each.
Crews return after temporary relocation
The four watches, totaling 32 firefighters, based at Stockport Central were temporarily relocated to Whitehill, but just 14 months later, they have moved back into their purpose-built replacement. The Manchester Evening News was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the station before it went into operation on September 11.
"The crews got on fantastically with each other. In truth, they're probably sad to see each other go. They became like families, and it's a bit like waving their children off," Carl said. "But I think it's great we've kept the fire station in the town centre, amongst all this growth."
"We have got crews who know Stockport like the back of their hand. It's great to have us here and looking after the public of Stockport. Especially as Stockport is growing. It makes sense to have a brand new facility to give us the best chance when we turn out. We move with the times."
Facilities and features
Amongst the facilities are brand-new changing and locker rooms, a kitchen and canteen, a lounge and TV room, a breakout area, training rooms, office space, and bedrooms for those on the night shifts. There is also a gym where the roof has been left exposed, so the tallest firefighters didn't take it out whilst lifting weights.
The old brick drill tower has been replaced with a purpose-built, metal one, where crews can do ladder, hose, and rescue drills, amongst other key training exercises. There are also solar panels on the roof, a wild garden, and an outdoor area for crews to 'break away from station life and that cabin fever,' and additional storage space for specialist equipment used in terrorist incidents and water rescues.
"It feels a lot better," Carl said. "It feels purpose-built for ourselves here. I can't wait for the crews to start rolling out the doors. And neither can the crews." "This station will be here for a good 100 years," he added.
Stockport MP Navendu Mishra said: "I am delighted that the new Stockport Central Community Fire Station has now opened its doors. It is a fantastic new, modern facility that will serve our community and support our firefighters for many years to come."
Local councillor Matt Wynne, from the Edgeley Community Association, said: "With existing and future high-rise developments in the area and Stockport’s population set to grow significantly over the coming decade, having a modern, centrally located fire station is more important than ever."
