The opening ceremony, attended by colleagues, local dignitaries and members of the community, saw a plaque unveiled at the state-of-the-art facility. The new station has been in development since 2019 and has been designed to meet the needs of a modern fire and rescue service, with dedicated training and community spaces, enhanced welfare facilities and separate ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ zones to avoid contamination.
The former Keighley Fire Station was built in 1964 and formed part of West Riding Fire Brigade. It was also one of the last remaining fire stations of its type architecturally in the North of England. Due to its age the site suffered from numerous problems. It was identified in the IRMP that a new wholetime fire station was required in the town centre of Keighley to deliver an effective service and so in 2019 the decision was made for the existing station to be demolished and a new fire station constructed on the same site.
District Commander Benjy Bush led the ceremony before inviting guests to tour the station, meet the crew and see the facilities and equipment on display.
Speaking at the event, the Lord Lieutenant paid tribute to firefighters across West Yorkshire.
"Nowhere is the dedication more clear to the public than within our emergency services. They are ready 24/7 often in the most challenging circumstances. Whether you are responding to fires, road traffic collisions or water emergencies you do it with professionalism courage and selflessness. I will do all I can within my role to celebrate West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. I know the difference this station will make to local people- reassurance that highly trained firefighters have access to such modern facilities to serve the local community.”
The opening marks another significant milestone for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's estate improvement programme, with the building designed to support both operational effectiveness and firefighter wellbeing for years to come.
Chief Fire Officer John Roberts highlighted the importance of investing in both communities and the workforce. "Our Service is continuing to improve and meet the demands of our communities and our people, and this station provides facilities to our firefighters that put their health and welfare first. We have fantastic people working for WYFRS who make a real difference to people's lives, and today their contribution is acknowledged and applauded."
District Commander Benjy Bush thanked the contractors, architects and staff who helped bring the project to completion, including firefighters and colleagues who continued to deliver an excellent service while working from temporary accommodation. "We’ve provided improved operational facilities, enhanced welfare provisions and more sustainability through this new design. This project is more than just a new building, it’s confidence in Keighley, investment in our people and continued commitment to keeping our communities safe- and as DC I’m really proud.”
The importance of that long-term investment was echoed by the Chair of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Ryk Downes, who said the new station would help ensure the Service remains equipped to meet future challenges. “Today is much more than a building. It's an ongoing commitment to the people of Keighley and surrounding communities. When I told him I was coming here today a friend of mine commented that he thought organisations only close things these days- not open them, so it’s really great to see us progress. Today is much more than a building- it’s a ongoing commitment to the people of Keighley and surrounding communities. It’s an investment in modern facilities, or firefighters, and our ability to respond to the challenges of the future.”
