Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority has approved £7.99m to refurbish High Wycombe fire station, aiming to keep it operational for at least 50 more years. Opened in 1966, it has deteriorating concrete, electrical faults and outdated facilities for firefighters.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported more than 200 defects and maintenance requests at the St Mary Street station in the past two years. A previous survey put the maintenance and condition backlog at about £458,000; asbestos-containing materials have also been found. The authority chose refurbishment over demolition and replacement.
Work would repair the concrete frame, masonry, floors, roof, canopy and training-tower base, and renew electrical, drainage, security and IT systems. The redesigned layout would separate contaminated firefighting equipment from clean crew areas and upgrade changing rooms, showers, toilets and rest spaces. The £7.99m forecast includes almost £6m for construction, £700,000 for temporary accommodation and operational arrangements, and £899,191 for unexpected costs. A planning application could be submitted in early 2027, with completion expected in 2029; arrangements to maintain emergency cover during construction are still being developed.
