Barnsley Fire Station

Barnsley Fire Station represents a transformative step forward in emergency response infrastructure. Designed to replace an outdated facility, this state-of-the-art fire station is not only fit for purpose but also a beacon of resilience, sustainability, and community integration.

The new Barnsley Fire Station was conceived with a clear objective: to provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that meets the evolving needs of South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (SYFRS) while facilitating stronger ties with the community. The former station, an oversized seven-bay facility, no longer served the demands of a streamlined, efficient fire service. By designing a three-bay station, we optimised space while maintaining operational excellence. Clever and resourceful thinking played a crucial role in unlocking value. The design prioritised a logical layout that enhances the workflow of firefighters, reducing response times in critical situations. The integration of a direct pole drop, clear sightlines, and carefully placed muster points ensures seamless movement throughout the building.

Beyond the fire service, the station benefits a broad spectrum of stakeholders: local residents, visitors, businesses, and community organisations. The inclusion of a community engagement space creates a stronger relationship between firefighters and the public, promoting fire safety awareness and education. The station’s design is also sensitive to its surroundings, ensuring it fits seamlessly into the residential and commercial landscape while upholding the identity of a vital civic service.

The direct and indirect impacts of this project are far-reaching. Socially, the fire station offers a safer, more responsive service to the people of Barnsley, reinforcing public trust in emergency response capabilities. The facility’s improved accessibility also ensures that all staff, regardless of ability, can operate efficiently within the space. Economically, the project is a long-term investment in efficiency. By consolidating facilities and reducing the footprint of the station, operational costs are significantly lowered without sacrificing performance. The design incorporates robust, low-maintenance materials to minimise future repair costs, ensuring a high-value return for public funding.

From an environmental perspective, the project adopts sustainable construction methods and materials, reducing embodied carbon. The landscaping strategy enhances biodiversity by retaining mature trees and increasing green spaces, contributing to a more environmentally conscious development.

Our technical expertise was key in delivering a sustainable, high-performing building. The fire station was designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental performance. The focus on passive design measures, such as maximising natural daylight and ventilation, minimises reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning, cutting energy consumption significantly. A major sustainability win was the improvement in spatial efficiency. The new station is designed to use 30% less space while increasing functionality, thereby reducing heating and cooling loads. The installation of energy-efficient systems, including LED lighting with motion sensors and an advanced Building Management System, further optimises energy use.

Time on-site was also reduced through modular construction methods and prefabricated elements, minimising disruption to the surrounding community and accelerating project delivery. The retention of key infrastructure, such as the existing training yard and mature landscaping, further reinforced our sustainability goals by reducing waste and conserving resources.