FIREFIGHTERS and borough staff from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are now up and running in the new Rochdale Community Fire Station.
White Watch crews were the first to work from the station on Halifax Road, after the move took place on Wednesday, January 8, 2014.
Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "We are really pleased that Kier has finished the new community fire station and firefighters and other GMFRS staff are now working from there.
"The new station is located on Halifax Road and allows firefighters to continue to respond to incidents effectively and build upon their community work, and has been designed to be environmentally friendly."
Project Manager for the build of the new fire station, Matt Taylor, said: "Rochdale's borough headquarters is also based at the site, which has solar panels and uses recycled water and is carbon neutral with an A+ Energy Performance Certificate. This means that the site is now better for the environment than it was before the station was built there.
"The project has been very successful, and we are now looking forward to the new Wigan Community Fire Station project."
Brand new community facilities include an internet café, a community room and garden.
Station Manager Andy Bracken from Rochdale Community Fire Station worked at the old station on Maclure Road for more than five years.
Andy said: "On our last day at the old station, and the first day at the new one, we carried out a final parade in full undress uniform and rang the bell, which has made the journey with us.
"I am proud to be the station manager making the transition from Maclure Road to Halifax Road."
Local schoolchildren were invited to take part in an art competition focusing on keeping the community safe while the station was being built. Winners have been selected by Station Manager Bracken and will receive a VIP invitation, for them and their classmates, to attend the official opening ceremony at the station in March.
Article from http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/updates/news/14jan2014_rochdale_crews_and_staff_move_into_new_fire_station.aspx
15 Jan 2014