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 expected to be the first such station 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 the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), the applicant for the proposals, as well as operational teams from the North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police.
The plans were presented at South Tyneside Council’s last planning committee meeting on Monday July 18, where they were met with the unanimous approval of councilors as recommended by officers. Speaking after the decision was made, TWFRS Fire Chief Chris Lowther said it was “an exciting time” for the service and a “proud time” for the blue light community.
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He said: ‘This is an important milestone for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, as the Hebburn Tri-Station represents our continued commitment to improving our services and our promise to protect the people of the region. The new capital-funded center promises to have residents, businesses and place at the heart of the building. »
The Tri-Station program will include an “L” shaped building with staff quarters and apparatus bays for emergency vehicles. It will also provide parking, fencing, landscaping, CCTVs and associated trail modifications, and a self-contained training building.
Cllr Geraldine Kilgour, representing Fellgate and Hedworth wards, speaking at the meeting, said: “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to have this, especially where it is. I just think it’s absolutely superb and will serve our residents very, very well and beyond.
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 have been considered in the Hebburn and Jarrow area for the new Tri-Station , each being assessed individually before a final location was decided.
There was “significant publicity” about the proposals, and council consultation on the bid resulted in six objections and two letters of support. The main concerns raised by residents were “noise and general disturbance”, but assessments by city experts found the proposals acceptable.
It is estimated that the construction of the multi-million pound project will take around 12 months. Following the decision, representatives from the North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police also welcomed the development and partnership in the area.
Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is great news and an important step forward as we continue to improve our response to the public and strengthen collaboration with blue light partners In the region. Stephen Segasby, Chief Operating Officer at NEAS, added, “We look forward to further strengthening our relationships with our colleagues in the emergency services on this project.
To compensate for the loss of public open space to accommodate the Tr-Station, a separate application was submitted for approval for three junior football pitches at School Street in Hebburn. These proposals were also unanimously approved at the same meeting.
