Why two British fire stations were denied heritage status despite expert backing

Fire stations in Bath and Shoreditch denied historic listing

Architects Journal has reported that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has refused to list Bath Fire Station and Shoreditch Fire Station despite recommendations from Historic England.

The publication said Bath Fire Station, completed in 1937 to a design by architect Molly Gerrard, is one of the few known fire stations designed by a woman.

It added that Shoreditch Fire Station, built in 1965, was designed in the Brutalist style by London County Council.

Both buildings now face an uncertain future after government decisions diverged from the advice of the heritage body.

In Bath, Architects Journal reported that BDP has submitted a proposal to demolish the current station and construct a new facility for Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

According to the BBC, Avon Fire and Rescue Service has said the doors of the current station are too narrow for modern appliances, making the building unsuitable for operational needs.

Bath Fire Station and its heritage status

Historic England described Bath Fire Station as an accomplished Art Deco design with a compact and well-articulated plan.

The heritage body said it retains original fixtures and fittings that contribute to its historical value.

It also noted the importance of Gerrard’s role as a female architect at the time of construction.

In its rejection, DCMS said Bath Fire Station is not considered innovative and that its features are typical of fire stations built in the interwar period.

The rejection letter added that its design by a female architect did not represent a sufficiently special factor to justify protection.

Shoreditch Fire Station assessment

Historic England advised that Shoreditch Fire Station was a creative and expressive example of Brutalist architecture.

It said the concrete frame and brick facing were used to create elevations animated by strong structural forms.

The heritage body also highlighted its origins as a rare post-war design from the London County Council architects department.

According to Architects Journal, heritage minister Fiona Twycross recused herself from the decision due to previous roles with London Fire Brigade and related organisations.

Arts minister Ian Murray’s rejection letter stated that many Brutalist buildings and LCC-designed sites already hold listed status across England.

Campaigners’ reaction to government decision

Oli Marshall, campaigns director at the Twentieth Century Society, criticised the outcome.

He said: “This striking pair of fire stations couldn’t be more different.

“One is a 1960s, geometric Brutalist block of concrete and brick in Shoreditch, the other is a sandstone 1930s stripped Classical and Art Deco beauty in Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Both have a strong claim to architectural and historic interest and would now be Grade II-listed, yet instead they face the maddening prospect of demolition due to a ministerial intervention.

“One has to ask why DCMS is ignoring the recommendations of their appointed experts, Historic England, and Twentieth Century Society, the relevant national amenity society?”

Marshall added: “There are several examples of nationally listed historic fire stations that continue to be operational, with sensitive adaption and modernisation to suit the evolving needs of the fire brigade.

“Euston Fire Station in London is perhaps the best known.

“Opened in 1902 and Grade II*-listed in 1974, it has been in continuous use for 123 years.

“Why couldn’t the same enlightened approach be taken in the cases of Shoreditch and Bath?”

DCMS response to heritage concerns

A DCMS spokesperson commented on the decision.

They said: “There are over 370,000 listed buildings in England, designated on the grounds of special architectural or historic interest.

“The criteria for listing are set out in the secretary of state’s principles of selection for listed buildings.”

Wider context of fire station preservation

The debate has drawn attention to the preservation of historic fire stations.

Some campaigners argue that operational buildings can be maintained while adapting to modern service requirements.

Others emphasise the cost and complexity of retrofitting ageing structures for today’s fire appliances.

The Bath and Shoreditch cases illustrate the balance between heritage value and practical functionality.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire services, the discussion reflects broader issues around maintaining operational readiness in historic facilities.

Modern fire appliances often require larger bays, higher ceilings, and different access routes than those provided in older buildings.

The outcome of the Bath and Shoreditch cases may influence future redevelopment decisions for other ageing stations across the UK.

Heritage considerations could affect both budgets and operational planning when balancing cultural preservation with the needs of a modern service.

Fire stations in Bath and Shoreditch denied listing: Summary

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has refused to list Bath Fire Station and Shoreditch Fire Station.

The decision went against recommendations from Historic England.

Bath Fire Station was completed in 1937 by architect Molly Gerrard.

Shoreditch Fire Station was built in 1965 by London County Council.

BDP has submitted plans to demolish Bath Fire Station and replace it with a new facility.

BBC reported Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the building is unsuitable for modern appliances.

Historic England argued both stations had architectural and historic importance.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said Bath Fire Station lacked innovation and special features.

It also said Brutalist buildings and LCC designs are already represented in the national listings.

Campaigners at the Twentieth Century Society opposed the decision.

They said other historic fire stations, such as Euston, show adaptation is possible.

DCMS said 370,000 buildings are already listed in England.

The department referred to the secretary of state’s criteria for listing.

The decision leaves the future of both sites uncertain.