After months of extensive refurbishment, Preston Circus Community Fire Station has officially reopened today, marking the completion of a £4.9 million investment to modernise one of East Sussex’s busiest fire stations.
The historic building, which has served as a key hub for firefighting operations in Brighton and Hove since 1901, has undergone a significant transformation to meet the evolving demands of a modern fire and rescue service.
Upgraded Facilities for Firefighters and the Community
The refurbishment includes vital improvements designed to enhance firefighter safety and efficiency, such as:
- Enhanced decontamination facilities to reduce contamination risks after incidents.
- Upgraded staff accommodations to improve working conditions.
- New sustainable heating systems to reduce environmental impact.
- A new accessible community room to strengthen public engagement.
Despite these upgrades, the station’s iconic curved front has been preserved, maintaining its historic presence in Brighton.
A Vital Emergency Hub
Chief Fire Officer Mark Matthews emphasised the station’s critical role in the community, highlighting that Preston Circus is the busiest fire station in East Sussex.
“Preston Circus serves the city of Brighton & Hove while also supporting other stations across East Sussex. Two fire appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform, which is essential for rescues from height, now operate from this station,” he said.
In 2023 alone, firefighters based at Preston Circus attended 1,812 incidents, including:
- 148 primary fires
- 44 road traffic collisions
- 126 fire safety checks
- 751 home safety visits
- 280 hours of community engagement
A Community-Focused Future
Beyond serving as an emergency response hub, the upgraded fire station will now offer a dedicated community space, allowing local groups to collaborate with the fire service on prevention and safety initiatives.
“This is not just about improving facilities for firefighters; it’s also about delivering value for the community,” Matthews added.
