Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the West Leeds Area Manager on proposals to transform the former Bramley Fire Station into a Community Safety Headquarters and a state of the art visitors centre which would be used to teach fire safety to young people. 

(Executive Function)

The Area Committee considered a report by the West Leeds Area Manager on proposals to transform the former Bramley Fire Station into a Community Safety Headquarters and a state of the art visitors centre which would be used to teach fire and safety to young people.

Sarah Laidlow-Moore, Robert Davison and Peter McCneesh of the  West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service gave a short presentation on the proposals.

Members expressed their concern about the condition that both the Bramley and Pudsey Fire Stations had been left in since their closure, especially Bramley Fire Station which is situated on a major gateway into Leeds City Centre.

In response, Members were informed that there had been planning issues with the Pudsey Fire Station and it was envisaged that development of the site would take place within the next twelve months.  The Bramley Fire Station was at first being dispensed with, but now this initiative has been put forward to return the Fire Station to community use on a greater scale which, it was hoped, would be a West Yorkshire wide facility that has capacity to become a national beacon project.

Further concerns were expressed by Members relating to:-

·  The capital and revenue expenditure for the proposed project –

  Mr Davison confirmed that £3m had been agreed within the Fire   Authority capital programme budget.

·  The access and egress to the site especially as it is on a busy major road leading to a flyover.

·  That assurance be given that West Yorkshire Fire Authority are to

  carry out immediate improvement works to the frontage of Bramley Fire   Station.

·  That local residents be informed of proposals for the Bramley Fire

  Station either by a local survey or by making representation at the   Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Community Forums.

RESOLVED –

(a)  To support, in principle, the proposal to redevelop Bramley Fire Station site into a fire safety training centre and community  safety headquarters, subject to local consultation.

(b)  That approval be given to a phased contribution of £12,500 per year over a two year period from the Well-being budget for this project.

(c )  That  the concerns of the Area Committee be conveyed to West   Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service over the dilapidated state of    Bramley Fire Station and its surroundings which is on one of the   busiest Leeds gateways.