West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue: A Once in a Generation Transformation

Client:: West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Main contractor:: Willmott Dixon Construction
Date:: November 2024
Value:: £4,500,000

Delivering a Futureproof HQ & Training Facility for WYFRS

The West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service needed a new, state of the art headquarters and training facility to replace their outdated 1970s building.

This once in a generation project would establish a highly efficient, future ready base of operations, integrating cutting edge M&E solutions to enhance sustainability, resilience, and operational performance.

Working alongside Willmott Dixon Construction, we delivered a full M&E installation for the new three storey HQ, alongside the refurbishment of multiple training buildings, including transforming an existing structure into the new Spen Valley Fire Station.

A Complex Brief with High Expectations

A project of this scale demanded an approach that combined technical excellence with careful coordination.

The HQ had to achieve BREEAM Very Good certification and an A-rated EPC, integrating sustainable technologies while ensuring uninterrupted operations for the fire service. The training buildings needed to be modernised without compromising the live training activities carried out on-site. From air-source heat pumps to hybrid natural-mechanical ventilation systems, the challenge was to futureproof the facility while maintaining flexibility for further decarbonisation.

One of the biggest hurdles came during the design phase, when changes in wiring regulations around fire safety required a full redesign of containment routing and fire-rated ceilings. Additionally, space constraints in the fire station, due to the introduction of a mezzanine floor, required precise coordination to accommodate essential M&E services.

I am delighted to state that, as the WYFRS representative for the project, I am happy to accept the buildings presented today. Your efforts in realising the WYFRS concept, architectural, technical, and constructional designs are to be applauded. The finished buildings are a testimony to the quality and dedication of the work delivered by all teams in helping WYFRS realise their aspirations. You have set the standard to a high level, which I am sure you will look to emulate or surpass in the delivery of the remaining scheme; based on today’s handover I feel you can achieve this. Thank you.

Programme Manager, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

A Smarter, More Efficient Fire & Rescue Service

The new HQ is now powered by an energy efficient heating and ventilation system, combining ASHP technology with VRF heat recovery for hot water heating.

A hybrid natural and mechanical ventilation system ensures a comfortable environment in open-plan offices and meeting rooms, while air handling units, equipped with onboard heat pumps, provide effective heating and cooling throughout the building. The HQ also features an on-site PV system, enhancing sustainability and reducing operational energy demand.

Beyond the headquarters & New Spen Valley fire station, we also refurbished two additional training buildings, ensuring West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has cutting-edge facilities to prepare their teams for the future. To support the fire station’s long-term energy strategy and focus on de-carbonisation, a new substation and increased power supply to the fire station was installed, allowing for the seamless integration of future air-source heat pump technology from the gas fired heating & hot water generation that was installed within this building as part of the contract.

A Lasting Impact

This project has transformed West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s facilities, providing an energy-efficient, sustainable HQ that will serve the region for decades to come. By integrating the latest M&E innovations, the buildings now support the operational needs of the fire service while significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

The project stands as a benchmark for future fire and rescue infrastructure, delivering both functionality and sustainability in equal measure.

Related projects

Hull Community Diagnostic Centre: Raising the Standard for Healthcare M&E Delivery

Heb Mechanical & Electrical has delivered the full M&E package for Hull’s new Community Diagnostic Centre, a purpose built healthcare facility designed to improve access to early diagnosis and reduce NHS pressure across the region. This case study explores how Heb provided a fully HTM compliant design, installation, and testing service in a live healthcare environment, helping the Trust open one of the region’s most advanced clinical spaces.

Stocksbridge Regeneration Project, Fox Valley

H E Barnes equipped the leisure facility with a comprehensive automatic control and monitoring system utilising a proprietary Building Management System designed to control and monitor all of the engineering services, including air conditioning and heat recovery.

Revitalising a Historic University of Sheffield Space with Smart, Sustainable M&E Solutions

The University of Sheffield needed to enhance the Elmfield Building, improving sustainability, safety, and accessibility while preserving its heritage. Working alongside Robertson Construction, we delivered a complete M&E refurbishment, futureproofing the space while maintaining its architectural integrity.