News

The renovation project to restore the old Fire Station in Hadleigh has commenced, with the keys being passed to the firm contracted to carry out the work required to transform the landmark building into a community hub.

Located at the heart of Hadleigh, the old fire station, which has long serviced the town, will play a vital part in celebrating the town’s involvement in hosting an Olympic event and play a role in initiating the revitalisation of the town centre.

With the London 2012 Games now only two years away initial work will be undertaken this August to make the building suitable for public access while some of the planning requirements are addressed.

Residents will then be encouraged to have their say on how the building is used when the public consultation is launched later in the year as part of the plans for the wider regeneration of Hadleigh Town Centre, which are being led by Castle Point Regeneration Partnership.

Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the 2012 Games is pleased at the pace of progress to date, saying:

“The old Fire Station is a key landmark in Hadleigh, and being able to secure its future as part of the Olympic legacy was very important to me personally, as well as the partners involved in the delivery of the Olympic Mountain Bike event.

“The ethos behind the London 2012 Olympics is about providing a lasting legacy, and I hope that the acquisition and renovation of Hadleigh’s old Fire Station will be seen by the community as part of this.

“We are moving forward with some of the early works in order to ensure the building can be brought into public use as soon as possible. I am really excited about this project and look forward to the venue being used by community once again, and alive with people.”

Following its vacation by the fire service, there was a risk that the building would be sold off for development. However, Essex County Council, Castle Point Borough Council and other members of the Castle Point Regeneration Partnership have ensured that this highly visible building is secured and contributes to Hadleigh town centre’s regeneration.