Historic fire station reopens after £4.9m refurb

A historic Brighton & Hove fire station has formally reopened following a £4.9m refurbishment.

The upgrade to Preston Circus Community Fire Station includes improved decontamination facilities and accommodation for firefighters, more sustainable heating and an accessible community room.

The station had been temporarily relocated to Dyke Road in Brighton since February 2024, said East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Chief fire officer Mark Matthews, who opened the building on Monday, said "a great deal of work" had been carried out to ensure the project brought benefits for firefighters and staff, and also represented "value for money for the community".

The building, which serves Brighton and Hove and supports parts of Sussex, has been used by the fire service since 1901.

The station's curved facade was preserved during the renovation.

Firefighters moved back into the London Road building in November, however the station has only become operational on Monday.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.