Fire station redevelopment paused over rising cost

Plans to rebuild a South Yorkshire fire station are to be re-examined after the projected cost rose by nearly 200% more than first thought.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) wants to replace Elm Lane fire station after it was deemed no longer fit for purpose due to “a high level of suspected asbestos”, soaring energy prices and a lack of facilities.

Plans to build a prefabricated replacement on the site were approved in October 2022.

However, a report to the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority said, following a tender process, the expected cost was 188% higher than initially projected.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the rise in costs has been put down to an increase in building material and labour costs, the timing of the tender being around the same time as the national Raac crumbling concrete news and a design which requires a “bespoke modular set up”.

The service said it was also concerned about the cost and finish quality of the build affecting longevity and future remedial costs.

As a result SYFR said while still "invested" in redeveloping Elm Lane the authority would need to re-examine the costs, time and risk implications of a variety of alternative options before making a decision.

The report said options for the site include a traditional new build, refurbishment of the existing station, and a prefabricated build.

The service said it would consider its options and the project would go back out to tender once decided upon.

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