West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Sector: Blue Light
Client: West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Framework: SCAPE Construction
Project value: £26m
Location: Bradford
“This is an integral part of our aim to be a modern, efficient, and effective fire service, keep our communities safe. The Birkenshaw site redevelopment is part of a wider estates strategy to ensure all our stations across the region are modern and fit for purpose now and well into the future.”
Nick Smith
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
A brand-new headquarters, training centre and fire station for West Yorkshire's firefighters.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) moved to a new site in Birkenshaw, south east of Bradford.
Willmott Dixon were appointed via the SCAPE Construction framework to demolish the existing buildings and deliver the urban search and rescue training centre that will take firefighter learning into the 21st century.
Forming part of wider modernisation plans for West Yorkshire fire stations, WYFRS moved to a new site on the outskirts of Bradford.
Previously based in a Grade II listed building, Oakroyd Hall, it was important that the new development promoted a modern, efficient and effective working environment that would meet new firefighter safety standards and be fully inclusive.
The project involved the demolition of the site's existing buildings, and the construction of a new three-storey headquarters, an urban search and rescue training centre, and new fire station.
Less than half of the project value was designated for the headquarters building, with the rest divided between the training centre, new fire station and to ensure the whole site is net zero in terms of its carbon footprint.
Replacing ageing facilities, the three-storey development includes a state-of-the-art Urban Search and Rescue Training Centre.
Sustainability was placed at the heart of the scheme, with the new headquarters, training centre and fire station all designed to be net zero in operation. Solar panels generate 50,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, while heat pumps, hybrid ventilation and efficient building materials will reduce carbon emissions across the estate.
As part of Willmott Dixon's commitment to the local economy, 58% of project spend was within 20 miles and approximately 50% lived within 20 miles of the site, supporting local companies and jobs. In addition to this, the project team donated 1,500 hours to support local school and college students, spent 246 hours within local schools and provided 213 weeks of training opportunities.
Welcoming the first teams to the new building in November 2024, the new, modern Headquarters and wider site enable the service to deliver its vision to keep West Yorkshire people and communities safe, and bring firefighter learning into the 21st century.
“We are proud to have collaborated with Willmott Dixon to accelerate this project forward. At SCAPE, we strongly believe that every project should create a strong, sustainable legacy for the community and the delivery of these headquarters is a prime example of how this can be achieved, whether that be through creating jobs for local people or prioritising net zero initiatives.”
Mark Robinson
SCAPE Chief Executive
Social value initiatives
Transforming Top Club
Local Services 2 You, a grassroots organisation with an ambition to create a vibrant hub for education, culture, and digital inclusion, acquired Top Club, a former working men's club in Kirklees. Limited resources and had made progress to revitalise the building for the community difficult.
A dedicated team of volunteers from the Project Team worked to assess safety requirements, repair damage, and collect donated materials for the extensive refurbishment process. This involved reupholstering furniture, fixing persistent leaks, replacing worn flooring, and repainting the interior to create a welcoming environment.
The transformation became a focal point for the community as emergency service personnel worked shoulder to shoulder with local businesses and supply chain partners to give this key community infrastructure a much-needed makeover. The result is a safe, welcoming space that now serves as an important asset for the community in Deighton.
Inspiring the next generation
Year nine and ten science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students from Brighouse High School were invited to site as part of Willmott Dixon's Open Doors sessions.
Throughout the day, the group had the opportunity to experience a live construction site for the first time and learn about the different types of job roles that the industry has to offer, with a specific focus on green careers and sustainable methods of construction.
The informative and person-centred approach to the session allowed for local young people to gain greater understanding of their career options and development pathways.
“The team were delighted to share their industry knowledge and from the brilliant questions the students asked about the project and on the different careers in construction, hopefully we’ve inspired the next generation to explore a dynamic and exciting career in the construction industry. “Our ambition throughout this project has been to support and engage with young people from Yorkshire to help leave a legacy beyond bricks and mortar."
Chris Yates
Yorkshire Director for Willmott Dixon
Social value outcomes
This project has been submitted by Willmott Dixon as part of the collaborative Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report. This report captures the latest insight into the regional and national trends in social value delivery, learn more here.
29%
Social return on investment
889 hours
Community-based volunteering
217
Apprenticeship weeks
213
Weeks of training
58%
Local spend within 20miles
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For the public sector
SCAPE Construction frameworks can deliver projects of any size and complexity and are supported by an extensive local supply chain.
Social Value in Construction
Benchmarking Report
SCAPE's annual report in collaboration with Social Value Portal that captures the latest insight into the regional and national trends in social value delivery.