It’s goodbye to the old

[An illustration of the proposed new Bath Fire Station – taken from the Avon Fire and Rescue Service website]

B&NES Planning Committee yesterday gave the go-ahead to the application to demolish Bath’s 1930s-built fire station and replace it with a new one ‘fit for modern-day firefighting’

Avon Fire and Rescue Service was quick to go online in response. Here’s their official statement released on their website.

“Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) welcomes the unanimous decision by Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES) planning committee to approve the Service’s planning application for the redevelopment of Bath Fire Station at Cleveland Bridge.

Luke Gazzard, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Director of Service Delivery, said: “We are extremely grateful with the support from BaNES officers and the Planning Committee with a resolution to grant planning permission.

“Reaching this milestone has been nearly a decade in the making. Our 2016 strategic review highlighted Bath Station as urgently requiring investment, and this new station represents a major step forward for our service.

“The new Bath Fire Station will provide a modern, sustainable facility delivering improved response capability, better energy performance, lower long-term costs, and a workplace our staff deserve.”

The Service plans to demolish the existing fire station on Cleveland Bridge and rebuild on the same site. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and take approximately 18 months. During this period, firefighters will continue serving the community from a temporary station at Roseberry Place, Lower Bristol Road.

Luke added: “We would like to thank our stakeholders, the residents who engaged with our process from the beginning, and to BaNES for their continued support in ensuring we can rebuild a fire station fit for modern-day firefighting.”

Why are we rebuilding Bath Fire Station?

• Prime location to meet 8-minute response targets
• Better firefighter safety, health, rest and well-being
• Faster response times to save lives and serve the city
• Retains skilled firefighters and supports local jobs
• Investment in long-term resilience
• Lower running, repair and maintenance costs
• Energy-efficient Net Zero in operation
• Greener site with new landscaping
• Protects Bath’s heritage buildings and monuments

This redevelopment is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s an investment in Bath’s safety, resilience, and future. We look forward to continuing our partnership with local residents and stakeholders as we deliver a station that meets the needs of a modern fire and rescue service.

The new Bath Fire Station will set a benchmark for sustainability and operational excellence, supporting AF&RS’s vision for a Net Zero future while preserving Bath’s unique heritage.

Read more about the rebuild project on Avon Fire and Rescue Services’ website: Bath Fire Station – Avon Fire and Rescue Service

NB. One of the conditions of granting permission is that a full historical building record of the existing building has to be deposited with the Bath Record Office.