Skip to main content

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service receives the keys to new fire station and training centre

Chief fire officer receiving keys to new buildingCambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has received the keys to their new fire station and Service Training Centre in Huntingdon.

The building work and training facilities are now complete on the development, that sees a new modern, purpose-built training centre and new community fire station at St John’s Park, north of Huntingdon. 

Construction began in September 2021, and work has progressed at pace to complete the build before firefighters begin responding from the site later this month.

The new facilities replace the current station and training centre on Hartford Road in Huntingdon. It provides a significant upgrade for the wholetime and on-call operational staff, as well as support staff from Occupational Health, Health and Safety and the Operational Support Group. 

Cllr Kevin Reynolds

The training facility will offer effective, reliable and realistic training for all operational staff, as well as giving much needed capacity to enable the Service to train more firefighters more often than the current site allows.
 
To officially mark the milestone, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief Executive, Matthew Warren, was joined by key colleagues involved with the project from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, including Project Manager Jodie Houseago and Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland, and contractors Artisan, as well as Fire Authority Chair, Councillor Edna Murphy. 

Deputy Chief Executive, Matthew Warren commented: “The project has come on tremendous amounts since planning began in 2013.

“A huge thanks must go to all those involved in getting the development to where it is today, particularly to Councillor Kevin Reynolds who played a pivotal role in getting the project off the ground.

“We now have a first class fire station and Training Centre that will provide an excellent facility it will be for our staff and our community.”

Chair of the Fire Authority, Councillor Edna Murphy, added “We are delighted that after years of perseverance, we now have the best possibly facilities to develop firefighters in Cambridgeshire and have a new fit for purpose fire station.

“Special recognition must go to Councillor Kevin Reynolds, former Chair of the Fire Authority, who recognised the importance of our firefighters having the very best facilities, and driving forwards the development with the Fire Authority to get it where it is now”

“We look forward to officially opening the site later this month.”

The Service is recruiting for more on-call firefighters to join the current Huntingdon on-call crew at the new station.

The Service is keen to hear from people who are looking to do more in their community, live within five minutes of Percy Road and have a reasonable level of fitness. Being an on-call firefighter is a paid role and our firefighters receive full and ongoing training for the job, supported by their team members.

To become an on-call firefighter, you must be aged 18 and over, have a good level of all-round fitness, and live or work within five minutes travelling time of an on-call fire station.

For more information about becoming an on-call firefighter visit our website or email recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk.