PSA supported the electrical rewire and heating renewal during the fire station M&E upgrade of Wigton Fire Station. As a retained fire station, the building did not have staff on site continuously. However, firefighters still required immediate access whenever an emergency call-out occurred. Therefore, the works had to keep appliance bays, access routes and essential services safe and operational. Each working day ended with clear routes and secure, usable operational areas. The electrical design also connected practical lighting controls to the station call-out system. Consequently, crews could enter the building and mobilise quickly during night-time emergencies.
CLIENT: Cumberland Council
SERVICES: Mechanical and electrical design and construction duties
LOCATION: Wigton, Cumbria
SECTOR: Public Sector: Blue-Light
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The client required a full fire station M&E upgrade and wanted to replace ageing electrical and heating services while keeping the station ready for emergency use. Retained firefighters could arrive at any time, including after contractors had left the site. Therefore, access to the appliance bay had to remain clear throughout the fire station refurbishment. Lighting, temporary power and essential building services also needed to operate reliably. Additionally, the project team had to manage safety without continuous on-site station staff.
OUR SOLUTION
We planned the mechanical and electrical services renewal around the station’s retained operational pattern. Contractor coordination ensured every area remained safe, tidy and usable before the site closed daily. Where work remained incomplete, temporary supplies maintained essential services and supported continued emergency readiness. We also designed straightforward controls linking internal and external lighting to the call-out system. As a result, crews did not need to locate switches when arriving at night.
- Electrical rewire and heating renewal
- Temporary supplies while contractors replaced existing systems
- Clear access to the appliance bay throughout the works
- Safe and tidy working areas at the end of each shift
- Internal and external lighting linked to the call-out system
- Emergency lighting and fire alarm considerations
- Ventilation to drying areas where required
- LED lighting replacing older fluorescent fittings
THE OUTCOME
Wigton Fire Station remained ready for emergency use throughout the refurbishment works. Crews continued to reach the appliance bay and respond quickly whenever a call-out occurred. Furthermore, the renewed building services improved electrical safety, efficiency and compliance. The connected lighting controls also supported faster access during night-time call-outs. Finally, daily coordination reduced the risk of unfinished work obstructing essential operational routes.
