Award Winning Dementia Care Driven by Neurodiversity and Inclusive Design
Lancaster Community Fire and Ambulance Station is the first purpose-built, fully integrated facility of its kind in Lancashire. The project brings together fire and ambulance services — along with additional emergency response teams — under one carefully designed roof, improving collaboration, response times and service efficiency for the wider community.
The scheme involved the complex transformation of an existing three-storey former warehouse, which we converted and integrated into the new station layout. At the same time, we oversaw the demolition of the original onsite fire station and constructed a new appliance bay that could support modern emergency vehicles and equipment. All works were delivered while the facility remained fully operational, requiring meticulous planning, phased construction and constant coordination with frontline teams to ensure uninterrupted emergency service provision throughout the build.
The completed station accommodates two fire engines, seven ambulances, a range of rapid response vehicles and the North West Blood Bikes team. Inside, the building provides office space for station staff and houses the Northern Administration Hub for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. It also includes training rooms, study spaces, dining and social areas, and a fully equipped gym — all designed to support the wellbeing and daily routines of both fire and ambulance personnel. Community facilities also form part of the building, reinforcing the station’s role as a visible and accessible asset for the people of Lancaster.
Externally, a new training tower stands on the south side of the site at the head of the ambulance parking bays. The surrounding car parking and landscaping have been redesigned to create a softer, more welcoming frontage, helping the building sit comfortably within its urban and heritage context.
The station lies within the Lancaster Conservation Area, an area defined by a rich architectural history and several listed buildings. Our design approach balanced the needs of a modern emergency service facility with sensitivity to its historic surroundings, ensuring the station enhances rather than detracts from the character of the area. A key influence on the design was the need to preserve an important view toward the cathedral, shaping both the building’s orientation and its overall form to respect this significant visual connection.
The final phase of the project earned excellent feedback from staff, visitors and the local community. Today, Lancaster Community Fire and Ambulance Station stands as a resilient, efficient and community focused model for integrated emergency service design — demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can support the vital work of those who protect us.
