A ground-breaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of the building phase of the new East Cowes Fire Station.
Firefighters, construction team members and other invited guests gathered last week to celebrate the next chapter in the building of the new East Cowes Fire Station and Fleet Maintenance Centre.
Members of the fire authority, senior officers and others involved in the planning, design and construction phases were also present to witness the spade in the ground event.
The construction is being carried out by Isle of Wight-based contractor, MCM Construction Ltd., and is due for completion later this year.
Following speeches and photographs, guests were able to enjoy refreshments laid on by the Rapid Relief Team.
The new station has been designed to help firefighters manage contamination risks, whilst the site will also host a fleet and equipment maintenance facility specifically for Island-based vehicles.
Once complete, East Cowes’s on-call firefighters will have a brand-new base in the town, having remained operational by responding to incidents out of Newport Fire Station since moving away from the site in 2024, prior to the building’s demolishment.
Matt Robertson, Director of Corporate Services for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, has said:
“Our teams have worked incredibly hard alongside our partners to reach this exciting phase of the programme, the beginning of construction for the brand-new East Cowes Fire Station and Fleet Maintenance Centre.
“Our on-call firefighters will benefit from the modern facilities that will be on offer here to keep them safe and ready to make lives safer.
“This work is just one element of our service-wide estate programme, with more exciting improvements planned across our Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire stations.”
Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE, chairman of the Fire Authority, has said:
“Today marks an important milestone in this exciting project which will bring a fantastic new fire station building to the town, benefiting not just the firefighters here in East Cowes, but also those across the island.
“The Estates team has worked closely with the Isle of Wight Council to finalise the plans, ensuring all parties, including residents are happy.
“The rebuild demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our teams here on the Isle of Wight, have access to modern and inclusive facilities, helping to keep them safe, healthy and allowing them to best respond to our communities in their times of need.”
Shame there’s no fire fighters or engines to fill the place with, or any budget to keep it running…
What does one expect in Labour Britain 2026
more taxes for less services.
Let’s hope they have better support than the Bembridge station.