Esh Construction to build UK’s first carbon neutral tri-service station

Plans to build a sustainable tri-service station in Hebburn have taken a step forward as North East-based Esh Construction is named as contractor. The new station is set to be the first station of its kind in the country to be carbon neutral.

The plan is that Hebburn Tri Station will become home to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) alongside teams from Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service.

Esh Construction will commence work in the new year on the state-of-the-art hub which will feature staff accommodation, appliance bays for emergency vehicles and a free-standing training building. Externally, the site will feature charging ports, with a view to all three services having a fleet of electric vehicles.

To drive forward blue light services’ commitments to minimise carbon footprint, the station will boast carbon neutral status through the use modern sustainable technologies. A rainwater harvesting and re-use system combined with solar photo voltaic roof panels and ground source heat pumps will be used to meet the energy requirements of the facility. A wildflower meadow will feature among the landscaping of the grounds to help promote local biodiversity.

Esh’s Pre-Construction Director, Chris Hale, said: “This is a really exciting project to be involved with, not least due to its significance within the local area as a development which demonstrates the continued commitment of TWFRS to improving services and safety for the community, but also as a pioneering scheme which can lead the way for future sustainable blue light buildings.”

Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service – who are leading on the station build, said:

“The Hebburn Tri Station is a landmark building for Tyne and Wear as it symbolises the bringing together of three of the region’s emergency service organisations under one roof.

“The exemplar eco project will be a major asset for the residents and community of Hebburn, Jarrow and beyond. Over the coming months we look forward to working closely with Esh Construction to create a building that everyone can be proud of and will help to keep people safe from harm for generations to come.”

Procured via the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), the appointment of a Queens Award-winning local contractor to deliver the development will provide a boost to the community through Esh’s commitment to delivering a raft of social value initiatives. More than 65% of the project spend will be re-invested within Tyne and Wear though procurement of local labour and supply.

Local schools are set to benefit from employability workshops and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers sessions, as well as site safety presentations to promote safety around a live construction site. Esh has also committed to donations and volunteering within the local area to support worthy causes.

Hale added: “At Esh we pride ourselves on delivering more than just a construction project. We are passionate about leaving a legacy in our communities and we will harness the benefits of a strong regional presence and supply chain to deliver quality social and economic value for Tyne and Wear throughout this project.”

The eco-friendly station will be based on land between Hebburn’s Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road and will replace Hebburn Community Fire Station which was built in 1965.

Esh will work in partnership with Sunderland City Council’s Capital Projects Team, Desco and Todd Milburn to deliver the project in collaboration with TWFRS.