Building of two new fire stations back on track after contractor went bust

THEY ARE NOW EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED BY NOV 25 AND OCT 26 15:55, 01 Jun 2025 The construction of two new fire stations in Greater Manchester hit a major hitch when the main contractor went

into administration. But a report reveals a replacement has been found and the work has resumed. A new contractor will take over the delivery of new facilities in Blackley and Whitefield

after the construction group ISG collapsed last September resulting in thousands of job losses. The company, which has a site at MediaCityUK in Salford, was in the middle of numerous

government projects, including work to prisons. Robertson has been appointed to complete the building of the fire stations. ISG had been awarded the contract for the Whitefield and Blackley

projects, as well as three others in January 2023. Blackley station, located on Rochdale Road is due to complete this November. Whitefield fire station, off Bury New Road, will complete

October 2026. The new stations are part of a £38m investment in its estates by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service which was approved in 2021. Three new stations are being built on

the existing sites of current stations. Article continues below A report revealing GMFRS's four year plan for 2025-29 published last week says: "Our Estates Improvements Programme

includes a combination of new community fire stations and refurbishments. This long-term programme of improvements is being delivered in four phases, each taking four years. "Despite

our lead contractor going into administration, GMFRS has worked hard to get the new-build projects back on track, and we have found a new contractor for Blackley and Whitefield stations.

Construction activity recommenced on both sites in Spring 2025. "Subject to final approvals, a contractor has now been selected for a new community fire station in Stockport (King

Street West). Work is ongoing at Moss Side, creating new rest facilities, flooring, and decoration, alongside the planned introduction of an additional fire engine. "Following

discussions with NWAS about improvements at Wigan fire station, a programme of works has been agreed upon and contractors are expected to be on-site in 2025. Temporary improvement works have

been completed at Marple, including new fitness facilities, a shower pod, and interim facilities for managing contaminants. "Consideration of the longer-term requirements is currently

underway. Feasibility studies have been undertaken for schemes at Leigh, Eccles, and Sale, with budgets agreed. These schemes will include works to address backlog maintenance, removal of

gas heating, installation of heat pumps, improved rest facilities, improved facilities for managing contaminants, new flooring and decor. "We are improving rest facilities at 27

stations, and new fitness facilities have been installed at all stations. Vital refreshes are being undertaken at 18 stations, and borough headquarters in Oldham. Our investment in our

estate will create facilities fit for future working, and support Greater Manchester’s target of becoming a carbon neutral city-region by 2038." GMFRS says: "We want the new fire

stations to provide a positive and engaging presence in their local communities – a place for people to visit with community facilities such as a room that local groups and organisations can

use. "With all three proposed stations there will be no reduction in fire engines that are based there nor any reduction in firefighting capabilities. This means that our response

times to emergencies will be unaffected. Later on in this phase, there are also proposals for new fire stations in Whitehill in Stockport and Heywood in Rochdale." Article continues

below A Wildfire Suppression Burns Team has been set up at Littleborough fire station. Located close to moorland, the aim is for the team to "significantly reduce the spread and

duration of wildfires using specialist techniques and equipment." The report says: "This will ensure that we can effectively respond to the increasing number of severe weather

incidents, safeguarding our communities and natural environments. We have purchased two specialist tracked wildfire vehicles and will enhance our fleet further with new beavertail trucks

(flat back lorry) to improve equipment transportation." Despite the investment the report says GMFRS plan to save £667,000 during 2025/26, with further year on year savings anticipated.