Plans have been unanimously approved for an innovative “state of the art” emergency services ‘Tri-Station’ in Hebburn. The base, on land between Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road, is set to be the first station of its kind in the country to be completely carbon neutral.
The site will offer a range of sustainable features, including roof-mounted solar panels, and serve as a new hub for blue light services working in the area. This includes Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), the applicant for the proposals, as well as operational teams from North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police.
The plans went before the latest meeting of South Tyneside Council planning committee on Monday (July 18), where they were met with unanimous approval from councillors, in line with recommendations from officers. Speaking after the decision was made, chief fire officer at TWFRS, Chris Lowther, said it was “exciting times” for the service and a “proud moment” for the blue light community.
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He said: “This is an important milestone for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as the Hebburn Tri-Station represents our continued commitment to improving our services and our promise to keep the people of the region safe from harm. The new capital funded hub promises to have residents, businesses and place at the heartbeat of the building.”
The Tri-Station scheme is to feature an ‘L-shaped’ building with staff accommodation and appliance bays for emergency vehicles. It will also offer associated car parking, fencing, landscaping, CCTV and footpath alterations, along with a freestanding training building.
Cllr Geraldine Kilgour, Fellgate and Hedworth ward representative, speaking at the meeting, said: “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to have this, particularly where it is. I just think it’s absolutely superb and it will serve our residents and beyond very, very well.”
The hub will replace the current Hebburn Community Fire Station, off Victoria Road West, which was built in 1965. A total of 15 different sites were considered throughout the Hebburn and Jarrow area for the new Tri-Station, with each being individually assessed before a final location was decided.
“Significant publicity” was carried out over the proposals, and the council’s consultation over the application resulted in six objections and two letters of support. The main concerns raised by residents related to “noise and general disturbance”, however council expert assessments deemed the proposals acceptable.
It’s estimated the multi-million pound project build will take approximately 12 months to complete. Following the decision, representatives from North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police also praised the development and the partnership working in the area.
Chief superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is brilliant news and a significant step forward as we continue to improve our response to the public and build on collaboration with blue light partners in the region. Stephen Segasby, chief operating officer at NEAS, added: “We’re looking forward to further strengthening our relationships with our emergency service colleagues as part of this project.”
To compensate for the loss of public open space to accommodate the Tr-Station, a separate application was submitted seeking approval for three junior football pitches at School Street in Hebburn. Those proposals were also unanimously approved at the same meeting.
