To consider Report CFO/061/21 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the content of this report and having previously considered the associated consultation report, which is a separate item on this agenda, prior to giving approval to submit a formal planning application for the Long Lane site.

Members considered Report CFO/061/21 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the content of this report and having previously considered the associated consultation report, which is a separate item on this agenda, prior to giving approval to submit a formal planning application for the Long Lane site. 

A presentation was given to Members by Group Manager Ben Ryder about the site on Long Lane. 

Members were informed of the following:-

·         The reason the move is wanted: as per Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services vision - the best facilities, equipment and staff, are needed to be the best Fire & Rescue Service.  

·         How the move will happen: the Authority has already approved the IRMP 21-24.   

·         Where we currently are: Aintree was built in 1926 and has no community facilities.  Croxteth was built a little later but again has no community facilities and is landlocked.  

·         The new Long Lane site: is 12 acres, improves capability, is environmental and improves response standards.  There would be Youth Engagement facilities, a Training & Development Academy and National Resilience facilities included.  MFRS have a good record of station builds – Prescot, St Helens and Saughall Massie.  The sustainability of the site and the environment are very important – the site will be carbon neutral.  Staff wellbeing has been taken into account and a tranquil garden for their use has been incorporated onto the site.  There will be electric vehicle charging points and a training area for various teaching to take place included complex skills (i.e. rail risks, rubble piles, and water).  There is also classrooms built specifically for staff training and a state of the art Command & Control suite. 

Members were advised that all managers and staff have contributed to the site project/station design and good relationships were formed between them and the architects. 

Members asked if there are facilities on the site for outside personal would stay and were informed that there is not, but there are hotels near by and good public transportation/motorways, which would add to the local economy. 

Members welcomed the added youth engagement facilities and asked if any costs would increase and if MFRS was confident about the cost of the build.  Members were advised that costs can escalate but that this build would generate income through the National Resilience.  There budget for the build would be monitored and all finances considered. 

Members queried whether Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) training would be taught at the new super station and were advised that it would be. 

Members spoke of people with disabilities and asked if all options had been looked at for people with incapacities using/moving around the site/building.  Members were advised that the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) officer had been involved in the build and that there was also assistance from an Accessibility officer.  MFRS consider all factors and welcome any comments or observations. 

Members asked when the super station would be complete and were informed that the build should be fully built and operational by the end of 2023. 

Members stated that they were thrilled that ED&I staff had been a part of the project and that it was good to hear that the facilities on the build were forward thinking.  Members were informed that it was vital to also include the Staff Networks on the project and the ideas for gender neutral facilities were significant.  MFRS is an inclusive organisation - the first female firefighter joined in 1990. 

Members asked if there was any safeguarding in place in relation to the build as some firms go bust.  Members were advised that a final health check is done on the company doing the work before the order is placed and work begins. 

Members asked if Net Zero was taken into account on this project and were informed that the environment had been taken into account on this build and that there is also room for Net Zero facilities to be incorporated on the site in the future. 

Members asked if there is any scope for changes to training in any way in the future.  Members were advised that there is space on site to expand and that MFRS can adapt with any future changes to ensure that our communities are kept safe. 

Members were advised that the financial cost decision would be brought to the Authority. 

Members resolved that:

A)   progress on the proposed plans for a new multi pump superstation and Training and Development Academy/National Resilience Centre of Excellence at Long Lane, Aintree, be noted;

B)   that the IRMP proposal will increase the number of fire appliances available at the new station and across Merseyside (See Appendix ‘A’), be noted; and

C)   the submission of a formal planning application for the Long Lane Site.

(See Appendix ‘B’), having considered the outcomes from the consultation process in relation to the combination of Aintree and Croxteth Fire Stations (CFO/058/21), be approved.