The much-anticipated Fire Station Design Conference 2024 is scheduled for 4–5 November at the Wychwood Park Hotel in Crewe, Cheshire. Last run in 2019 this event is dedicated to exploring the latest trends and advancements in fire station design and construction.
The Fire Station Design Conference 2024 is a distinctive event that involves fire brigade estate managers, facilities departments, fire chiefs and project managers who are involved in the design and management of fire stations. The two-day event provides an invaluable platform for attendees to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices – focusing on the creation of long-lasting and effective fire station facilities.
Some key topics for 2024 include:
Decontamination – Enhancing fire station design and processes to protect firefighters and support staff from carcinogen-carrying soot and other harmful particles.
Carbon reduction – Improving fire station design to reduce energy usage and work towards achieving net zero.
Gender neutrality – Adapting fire station design and layout to accommodate a gender-neutral workforce and visitors.
Mental well-being – Creating fire station designs that include quiet decompression spaces to support the mental health of all personnel.
The conference will feature presentations by experts from the architectural field and manufacturers of specialised fire station equipment. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in discussions on completed projects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the latest innovations in fire station design.

Presentations will include an array of sessions led by industry experts. Topics will span from architectural advancements to practical implementation of new technologies in fire station construction. These sessions aim to offer attendees a deep dive into the most current and effective strategies for building and maintaining fire stations that meet contemporary standards of safety and efficiency.
Emily Frith, Senior Estates Improvement Manager for HIWFRS, details the Service’s ongoing ambitious refurbishment project, the Retrospective Design Principles Project (RDP):
‘As our fire stations age, they start to become unfit for purpose and outdated in terms of meeting current legislation, best practice, inclusivity requirements and managing the risk from fire ground contamination, whilst also growing disproportionately expensive to run and maintain. RDP aims to retro-fit the wider Estates strategy into 12 existing wholetime fire stations to address the issues that come with an aging estates, and create Healthy and Inclusive workplaces.’
The conference will kick off with a casual networking event on the evening of 4 November, featuring a barbecue and entertainment. This pre-conference gathering will provide attendees with a relaxed environment to organically connect and share experiences fostering new relationships and reinforcing existing ones. The full conference day on 5 November will include multiple networking opportunities, allowing participants to engage with peers and industry experts in meaningful dialogues.

Along with the presentations, manufactures and suppliers of products and services to this sector will be in attendance with a tabletop exhibition, showcasing the latest equipment and technologies designed to improve fire station operations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with these exhibitors, gaining hands-on experience with innovative products and solutions.
Throughout the conference, participants will have the chance to learn from detailed case studies and presentations on successful fire station projects. These sessions will highlight the challenges and solutions involved in modern fire station design, providing valuable lessons and insights that can be applied to future projects.
Interactive panel discussions will bring together experts from various fields, including architecture, engineering and fire safety, to discuss pressing issues and emerging trends. Q&A sessions will follow, giving attendees the chance to engage directly with the speakers and gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed.
The Fire Station Design Conference 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for those involved in the management, design and operation of fire stations. With its focus on critical issues such as decontamination, carbon reduction, gender neutrality and mental well-being, the conference is set to drive significant advancements in fire station design.
To register your place at the Fire Station Design Conference 2024 , please visit www.firestationdesign.co.uk or email info@firestationdesign.co.uk
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