Shoebury Fire Station opened again after £1.4million revamp

The station was officially opened yesterday by retired firefighter Brian Jacobs, Shoebury resident Anne Chalk, and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, as residents were invited for an open day.

The fire station is now officially being used by Shoebury’s on-call firefighters, and boasts a new fire engine and gym, bigger mess hall and conference spaces, plus new toilets.

Firefighters previously had to use portable toilets and washing facilities, and the building itself was likened to a small Scout hut.

Building work began on the site in Shoebury Avenue in early 2022, after Essex County Fire and Rescue Service bought the old police station next door and knocked through the two buildings to create one larger space.

Retired firefighter Brian Jacobs with resident Anne Chalk (Image: Newsquest)

John Antonio, a 76-year-old retired firefighter, said: “I’m very pleased about it - and I wish I could work here again.

“I retired many years ago but, it’s absolutely fantastic. State-of-the-art.

“It’s a very very big asset to the local community, it has a full crew now and it can look after our people in Shoebury and neighbouring towns.”

The crew at Shoebury Fire Station was involved in the overhaul from the initial concept meeting, and have had the chance to input their ideas throughout construction.

Shoebury Fire Station area manager Neil Fenwick said: “I feel very proud. I’ve been here for 31 years. I’m Shoebury-born and bred. My mum and dad lived in Shoebury.

“I joined this fire station as a kid along with my brother, and to be here today with the whole station rebuilt, opened and modernised, is just awesome and absolutely amazing.”

The event was also attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, Southend Mayor Stephen Habermel, the High Sheriff of Essex Charles Bishop, and MP for Rochford and Southend East Sir James Duddridge.

Sophie Lighton, wife of Watch Manager Ian Lighton, said: “I’m really happy about this. My dad has wanted this for as long as I can remember.”

Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton said: “We’ve been here since the First World War and we needed to spend some money over the last year to invest in the station to bring it up to modern day standards.

“Our fire stations are the heart of our community and are really important to local communities to let them know that we’re there for them when they need us but also, they can come and visit us and learn more about what we do and can support them to stay safe.”

Mr Hirst added: “I am really pleased to see the new, improved fire station at Shoebury. This investment will mean a bigger and more fit for purpose modern space for fire appliances as well as incorporating a hub for the whole community.

“It also means our on-call firefighters have the facilities they need to continue to deliver an effective service and help keep our communities safe.”