PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: THE TRANSFORMATION OF TELFORD FIRE STATION

Originally built in the 1970s, Telford Central Fire Station had grown outdated and challenging for modern emergency operations. It served as a vital hub for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, but the ageing structure no longer met current fire service needs or regulations.

In 2021, McPhillips were awarded a £9 million contract for redevelopment of the station, and preparations began to deliver a complete transformation. The building had to be reconfigured to face 21st-century challenges, and act as a resilient, state-of-the-art facility for emergency response, training, and community engagement.

A challenging scope from the start

The project demanded more than a cosmetic update; it was a complete reworking of an outdated and restrictive layout. The station’s old plant and services were near the end of their lifecycle, and essential areas like IT systems and decontamination zones were in dire need of updates.

McPhillips aimed to preserve parts of the existing substructure and frame, but as Paul Inions, McPhillips’ Managing Director, explained, that proved to be more complex than initially anticipated.

“The original scope of this scheme involved stripping down the existing building to its structural frame and re-cladding, reorganising the internal spaces to improve functionality and critical operations, plus single and two-storey extensions to create more floorspace.

“However, as work progressed, we discovered that parts of the existing frame, specifically the lattice beams, couldn’t meet current fire regulations. The complexity of retaining structural stability and supporting existing concrete floors during the replacement process required a bespoke temporary works design and the installation of support steelwork used as the lattice beams were removed and replaced sequentially throughout the building.”

Ultimately, replacing these beams was unavoidable, which called for a highly specialised approach to maintain the building’s integrity.

Tackling the build with an innovative, phased approach

Given the challenges these discoveries presented we moved to mitigate the inevitable delays by temporarily wrapping the building to enable internal works to progress where possible.

“Working with our structural steelwork subcontractor and structural engineer, we developed a sequence that allowed construction in areas where beams had been replaced,” Paul recalls. This flexible approach kept the project moving forward despite the hurdles we encountered along the way.

Community and client-centred design

Alongside updating the facility’s operational capacity, the project aimed to make the station a more welcoming place for community use and interagency collaboration. The station was fitted with new spaces for community events and training, and also includes facilities for multi-agency emergency command coordination.

Overcoming unexpected setbacks

The project wasn’t without its challenges. Beyond the structural discoveries, there were on-site environmental constraints, including the need to protect a local newt population. Asbestos removal added further complexity. Even so, our team remained committed to delivering a high-quality outcome.

Despite these obstacles, we delivered a facility that not only met operational needs but also strengthened community ties. Mark Kiddie, McPhillips’ Marketing & Business Development Manager, summed up the local pride felt throughout the project: “As a Telford business, we’re delighted that the client shared our vision for supporting the local economy – locally employed people worked on the delivery of this project throughout.”

Reflecting on the changing scope of works, Paul Inions is proud of the finished build, saying: “Despite the complications, and the contractual challenges that ensued, the final outcome is a first-class facility for Shropshire Fire Authority.”

Key features of the new Telford Fire Station

The redeveloped station now stands as a flagship facility, combining state-of-the-art emergency preparedness with a sustainable, community-focused design — proof of McPhillips’ commitment to overcoming challenges and delivering excellence.

Future proofed infrastructure: Updated mechanical systems, ICT, and electrical services to handle the latest emergency response technology.

Multi-agency command and training facilities: Allows joint training with police, ambulance, and emergency response teams.

Sustainable / green building elements: Photovoltaic panels and other eco-friendly upgrades combine to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

Enhanced community spaces: Offers a welcoming environment with areas dedicated to community engagement and training events.

Why choose McPhillips for Public Sector construction?

This project continued our track record for delivering complex infrastructure under challenging conditions, underscoring our capabilities in asset optimisation, community engagement, and commitment to green technology.

For stakeholders seeking a partner that prioritises resilience, efficiency, and community value, McPhillips offers the expertise, adaptability, and dedication needed to bring transformative projects to life.

If you’re looking to blaze a trail with your new building project, contact our building department on: 01952 670440 or email: mcphillips@mcphillips.co.uk

Testimonials

"The site manager and assistant site manger did a fantastic job on the scheme, they were friendly, reliable, professional and their experience on managing the subcontract labour and technical ability was second to none."

Ian Lowe, BIT Group

"McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd undertook the construction of a recent public realm scheme in Shrewsbury, they provided traffic and pedestrian management to manage the construction of the scheme in a busy urban area, with high pedestrian footfall. All civils and re-paving works were completed to a high standard and in a tidy, productive and efficient manner. They were able to engage with Shrewsbury BID to aid in the planning of events, as well as liaising with local businesses and shops to minimise impact. They worked effectively and efficiently to complete works to the accepted programme and administered the contract well using web based management systems. There were good working relationships between all parties, and their on-site management of personnel was excellent."

Scott Hughes, WSP

"McPhillips were good to work with and they were always keen to resolve any issues or complications which obviously occur on such a large and complex project, probably the biggest S278 Worcestershire has ever dealt with."

Sally Everest, Worcestershire County Council

"Having been the first time we have used McPhillips as a main contractor we have been impressed at the ease at which we have developed a good working relationship to enable the project to be maintained to timeline and budget incorporating both additional work items and some more unusual occurrences on-site."

Richard Allen, London & Cambridge Properties

"We will most certainly use McPhillips again and we will have no hesitation in recommending you to other schools and colleges."

Sheena Hodgson, The Westwood Academy

"The site delivery team were extremely helpful. The site was clearly always orderly, fully resourced and well managed throughout. The workmanship was of the highest quality and the project was delivered on-time and within budget providing The Wrekin Housing Trust with a facility of which we are justifiably proud. Overall WHT is more than happy with McPhillips’ performance on Oakwood and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future."

Karen Lloyd, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"I will have no hesitation in employing McPhillips on other projects and therefore look forward to working with you again; it was a pleasure working with you and your team, demonstrating a positive approach throughout the project."

Mike Steele, Birmingham City Council

"The quality of the work provided is always of a high standard and every effort is made to accommodate the needs of businesses and residents impacted by the work. With regard to project management, I found the management team and site staff to be amenable at all times. I would highly recommend McPhillips to be considered for any highway regeneration projects or similar works."

Steve Hollins, Telford & Wrekin Council

"McPhillips carried out work for Adams’ Grammar School between May and September 2013. They did so under some stringent conditions imposed by the school and performed admirably to meet significant deadlines. Their work on site was also very impressive; their site manager was most professional and worked seamlessly with our own employee when there needed to be alterations/modifications. They worked very easily around children and kept an appropriate distance from our own work. When it came closer to the deadlines they produced work at an impressive speed in order that we were able to open on time. We will certainly use them again."

Michael Barrett, Adams' Grammar School

"I can truly say that I could not wish to have worked in conjunction with a more impressive and agreeable contractor than McPhillips. Many thanks for the experience."

Peter Oughton, Dogs Trust

"We’re delighted with the work carried out by McPhillips. Thanks to their excellent building and civil engineering experience and skills we’ve been able to create an enriched environment for our dogs."

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust

"We have no hesitation recommending McPhillips and look forward to the opportunity of working with them in the future."

Pam Edwards, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"McPhillips and their team were professional and efficient from tender stage through to contract completion, with a can do attitude that brought the scheme in on time and on budget within tight constraints."

Bob Nicholson, Pochin Developments

"Everyone has commented favourably on the quality of workmanship and the professional, courteous and organised approach of the men involved. As a consequence, the work was completed to a very high standard, in a very short time with the minimum of noise and disruption to residents."

Diane Peacock, Pengrove Residents Association

"McPhillips performed extremely well with a high quality of workmanship and a professional approach in dealing with the public and businesses in a very busy part of the town. I can confidently recommend McPhillips as a competent and professional contractor and since this scheme, I have worked with them on various projects and would be pleased to work with them again in the future."

Karl Farrow, Cheshire West & Chester Council

"I would have no hesitation in recommending McPhillips."

Paul Harris, Shropshire Council

"The team from McPhillips remained positive and proactive throughout, working with the Council's team to find solutions and deliver an enabled site which was fit for purpose. Their can-do attitude and pragmatic approach has been essential in delivering a successful project for the Council."

Kate Turner, Telford and Wrekin Council

"McPhillips has an excellent understanding of the client's needs and works collaboratively to achieve a quality product."

Peter Parker, Birmingham City Council