Overview of the Hebburn tri-station development

The construction of the Hebburn Tri-Station, a forward-thinking project led by Esh Construction on behalf of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Fire Authority, is approaching completion with its handover scheduled for April 2024.

Situated between Hebburn’s Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road, this facility marks a significant development as one of the UK’s initial carbon neutral emergency service tri-stations.

The new station, which will replace the nearly six-decade-old Hebburn Community Fire Station, will accommodate Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police, and the North East Ambulance Service.

Visitors and passers-by are now witnessing the emergence of the station’s structure, featuring a main building for staff accommodation, offices, and emergency vehicle bays, alongside a separate training building designed to enhance the capabilities of specialist and rope rescue firefighters.

The aesthetic of the building is highlighted by a striking multi-blue coloured rain screen that adorns the main structure.

Eco-friendly features and community benefits

The Hebburn Tri-Station not only aims to serve as a crucial hub for emergency services but also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

The facility incorporates ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, with over 340 panels installed to potentially generate 100% of the renewable electricity needed for the station’s operations.

The construction also features environmentally friendly elements like electric vehicle (EV) charging points and extensive ‘E’ cycle storage and charging facilities for the Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Grant Watson, Construction Manager for Esh’s commercial build division, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “At Esh, we pride ourselves on building and maintaining strong working relationships with our clients and we are excited to see the pioneering scheme come to life as a key hub for the local community.”

Training and operational capabilities

The completion of the fire house, training tower, and associated garage, along with the installation of a specialist rope rescue training crane jib, underscores the tri-station’s role in enhancing the training and operational effectiveness of the emergency services.

The facilities are designed to support joint training scenarios with partner services, fostering a universal approach to community safety.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service commented on the progress: “We are delighted to see the progress that has been made over the past 14 months with the construction of the Hebburn Tri-Station in South Tyneside.

“It represents our continued commitment to keeping people safe.”

IFSJ Comment

The development of the Hebburn Tri-Station is a testament to the evolving landscape of emergency service facilities that prioritize both functionality and environmental sustainability.

By integrating state-of-the-art sustainable technologies and fostering collaborative training environments, this project enhances the operational capabilities of the emergency services and sets a new standard for future developments in the sector.

The emphasis on community integration and environmental responsibility further enhances the project’s significance as a model for similar future endeavours across the UK.