Cowlin Sets Exeter Alight With New Community Fire Station

Cowlin has been appointed to demolish and construct the new Danes Castle Community Fire Station in Exeter.

Demolition of the original fire station, which was built in 1931 and served the area during the Second World War, will make way for a new station to be built on the same site.

The new station is one of two being built in Exeter to better cope with response times throughout the area. It will cost in excess of £2 million to build and is being funded by the Devon and Somerset Fire Authority. The two new fire stations will continue to be supported by the existing and continuing retained fire station in Topsham.

Mike O’Neill, Regional Managing Director of Cowlin in Devon and Cornwall, said: “The redevelopment of the fire station has been in discussions for some time now and we’re proud to be able to provide Exeter with a new state-of-the-art fire and rescue station.

As part of the Considerate Constructor Scheme, Cowlin is working closely with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to maintain regular contact with both the firefighters and local residents in order to reduce disruption to both parties during demolition and construction.

Construction of the new station will involve building the main fire station; a 4-storey, state-of-the-art drill tower to replace the old brick one and the installation of the original pole-drop that has been in operation since 1931.

Paul Young, chief fire officer of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “This is an important milestone in our plans to provide two new fire stations for the city of Exeter. The fire station at Danes Castle has been a landmark for the city for more than 70 years and we expect the new station to play just as important a part in the future of the city.

“The new station at Danes Castle, together with the additional fire station currently under construction at Middlemoor, will provide firefighters with the facilities they need to provide the best possible service to the people of Exeter and the surrounding areas.”

Cllr Bernard Hughes, Chairman of the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority, said: “The old fire station was starting to show its age and was in urgent need of replacement. The Authority was determined to find the necessary funds to provide a modern fire station for our firefighters in the heart of the city.

The new station will have photovolataic and solar heating panels for electricity and hot water, combined heat and power (CHP) boilers, rainwater harvesting and bike racks to encourage staff to cycle to work. The building will be subject to a BREEAM report and is targeted to achieve at least a ‘very good’ rating.

Reducing the carbon footprint of the station has been a key focus throughout, and as part of the station’s ‘green’ initiative, more trees are being planted on site and bat boxes introduced in order to encourage local nature conservation.

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