Plans for fire service to move its headquarters

A fire and rescue service is planning to leave its current headquarters and move to a new base.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) has used the joint HQ site in Portishead with Avon and Somerset Police since 2017.

However it planned to move to its Severn Park Training Centre on Smoke Lane, Avonmouth permanently after the deal on sharing the site with Devon and Somerset and Gloucestershire fire services runs out in March 2028.

An AFRS spokesperson said it was an "opportunity for the service to provide its own HQ and ensure the Severn Park site was used to its full capacity".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), AFRS has been locked in a private finance initiative (PFI) for the Severn Park site since 2002 with the two neighbouring fire services and was currently responsible for 50% of the total charges.

Under the plans, training facilities for both operational and corporate employees would remain at the site, with the building also repurposed as its new HQ.

The spokesperson said a steering group had been set up to "ascertain" whether the move would be what was best for the service and to look at all potential risks and logistical, environmental and financial factors.

A survey had also been issued to staff so they could have their say on what they would need from a new HQ.

"This invaluable information will inform us of certain decisions, such as the number of meeting rooms, office provisions, and most importantly, how to get the best use out of the space so that our staff feel supported and engaged during their working day," the spokesperson said.

"We aim to be proactive, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring staff, partners, and the public remain well-informed and engaged at every stage," they added.

If it goes ahead, a move-in is proposed for winter 2028, with Avon and Somerset Police intending to take over the space currently occupied by AFRS at the shared HQ by December 2028.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.