Fire station set to share space with police in extension

ROTHERHAM’S CENTRAL fire station could be given a revamp to accommodate some police functions as the two services move towards increased collaboration to improve efficiency and save money.

The Eastwood building is currently used as a full time fire station but also accommodates the fire and rescue service’s main stores for the county as well as fire service workshops.

Now there are plans to reconfigure the way the fire service uses the space, which would free up a building to allow police vehicle maintenance staff to move on to the site from their current location at the Main Street station.

The development would mean building an extension and installing a storage container, meaning planning permission is needed from Rotherham Council before the scheme can progress.

Planners have been told: “South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Yorkshire Police are looking to collocate and collaborate on one site.

“To do this SYFR are looking to rationalise some of their services and relocating different departments into one building.

“This frees up the space currently used as SYFR main stores allowing SYP body/paint shop to move from Main Street Police Station, Rotherham.

“Due to the buildings existing use (storage warehouse) the building lends itself quite well to becoming a vehicle body shop.

“However, some alterations are required to ensure the building is fit for purpose.”

The changes would include upgrading toilets and showers, a canteen and offices.

New extraction equipment would have to be installed to provide ventilation and a spray booth would be constructed inside a warehouse, which would be vacated to make way for police.