A deal for land to build a new fire station in Hebburn could be finalised within months, fire chiefs have confirmed.
A new facility for the town has been promised for several years, although plans have been delayed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
But bosses hope work could start in earnest on the site, which is also expected to include bases for police and paramedics.
“The new fire station at Hebburn has been delayed,” said Dennis Napier, strategic finance manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS).
“We would have hoped in this financial year to have started on the build, but that has been delayed but the feasibility work has continued.
“The testing on the proposed site is going well and we expect to make some progress towards the end of this financial year.
“The bulk of the costs will happen in the next financial year (2021/22) and the following financial years.”
Napier was speaking at this morning’s (Monday, January 25) meeting of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, which oversees the work of TWFRS, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube.
Last year (2020) South Tyneside Council confirmed it was in talks with the brigade over a deal to land in Lukes Lane for the new station to be built on.
Fire chiefs have set aside about £5million to replace Hebburn’s current station, in Victoria Road, thought to be the oldest still in use in Tyne and Wear.
It is hoped it could be up and running by next year (2022).
