Proposals suggest constructing the new facility at the current Durham Community Fire Station site in Sniperley Farm Road which will also house the North East Ambulance Service, forming a “Blue Light Hub.”
Currently functioning as a fire station with training facilities, the site will see updates to parking and road access, including the creation of a new access road from the A691.
Further improvements are planned for existing external lighting and landscaping.
Sustainability is a major focus of the project, and there is a plan to install a wind turbine on site.
The new HQ, covering an area of 6,330 square metres, will feature a range of materials, including brickwork, timber cladding, and metal panels.
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The pitched roof will house PV panels, along with additional green roofs to further enhance sustainability.
The current parking capacity of 32 spaces will be increased to 52, with additional provisions for 12 cycle spaces, four disability spaces, and two ambulance bays.
In response to occasional demand, additional “overflow” parking is also proposed.
A detailed Construction Management Plan (CMP) has been outlined, with work anticipated to begin in September 2025, with completion earmarked for September 2026.
Temporary fencing will secure the site, while traffic management will ensure that emergency services can continue to operate during the construction phase.
The proposed design of the new headquarters includes a 2.5-storey building that meets energy-efficiency standards.
The building will feature renewable energy systems, with rooftop PV panels, heat pumps, and an 18m tall wind turbine with a 7.5kW capacity.
Layout of the building will incorporate offices, meeting rooms, IT facilities, and dining areas spread over three levels.
According to documents lodged with Durham County Council, the proposal aligns with several County Durham Plan (CDP) policies, and the wind turbine is deemed suitable for the local area.
The development’s carbon footprint will be reduced by the inclusion of the wind turbine, PV panels, and heat pumps.