HICKS GATE
FIRE STATION

HICKS GATE FIRE STATION IS A 5 BAY FIRE STATION WITH THE PROVISION FOR 12 FIRE FIGHTERS AND INCLUDES THE PROVISION FOR FUTURE EXPANSION. THE SITE IS POSITIONED IN AN IMPORTANT AREA OF GREEN BELT BETWEEN KEYNSHAM AND BRISTOL WITH GREAT ACCESS ONTO THE LOCAL ROAD NETWORK.

Service and operation is arranged on the ground floor and living spaces on the first floor in order to reduce the internal response distances in the case of emergency call outs. Offices are positioned at the front of the plan, making the fire fighters visible to the passing public and ensuring a professional public-facing image. The gym and training facilities are allocated to the rear of the building with the intention of ensuring service areas are out of view and activating the public frontage with interesting uses.

The building responds to its context by splitting the mass of the building as well as using vernacular materials that can be found in agricultural buildings in the area. This consisted of a mix of anthracite corrugated metal cladding with elements of timber helping to articulate the façade. Simplicity was the key to this design with attention given to the detailing of a budget cladding material to give a sophisticated aesthetic.

Hicks Gate is part of a wider accommodation rationalisation programme for Avon & Fire Rescue Service and AHR is involved with the upgrade and replacement of several other stations.