Subject to permission being granted, a modern station and training tower will be located on the Ronaldsway industrial estate, near to the Sefton Express hotel and Strix factory.
The new facility is designed to replace the existing fire station in Farrants Way, Castletown which is considered no longer fit for purpose.
The project will involve a capital investment of approximately £950,000 and – if the plans are approved – work could get under way in April 2014, with an estimated completion date of December 2014. The station would then be operational by early 2015.
The proposed location of the new retained fire station has been selected following a feasibility study and risk assessment of the Ballasalla and Castletown communities.
It will also provide strategic cover for Ronaldsway Airport and the rest of the Isle of Man in the event of a major incident.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Department is committed to maintaining public safety and the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service plays a key role in that through its focus on prevention, protection and response. These plans provide us with an opportunity to modernise our infrastructure, release a prime town centre site and to recognise the shift in demographics towards Ballasalla.’
He added: ‘We are also conscious of our responsibilities in the current financial climate and always strive to be resourceful in meeting our challenges while maintaining high standards of service delivery. I believe this scheme represents good value.’
The proposed capital expenditure is included in Treasury’s Budget report and estimates and will be used to construct a modern, purpose-built fire station, with a drive-in drive-out capability for fire appliances - avoiding the need to reverse large vehicles on site.
As an equal opportunities employer, the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service would be able to provide facilities for male and female retained firefighters at the new station. There would also be a training ground and 10-metre tower to support on-Island training programmes and enhance the skills and knowledge of officers across a range of activities.
Chief Fire Officer Kevin Groom said: ‘The existing fire station in Farrants Way has served the communities of Castletown and Ballasalla for more than 50 years, but has reached the end of its operational life and needs to be replaced. Subject to planning approval, the new facilities will address current issues and open up a number of options for the future.’
The plans have been supported by Graham Cregeen MHK, Member for Malew and Santon, who said: ‘This is a positive move and will help to enhance the service provided to the south of the Island. I believe the proposed new fire station will be a facility the local community can be proud of.’
