The ceremony at Birkenshaw was conducted by Chief Fire Officer (CFO) John Roberts and the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson. It also featured speeches by the Chair of the Fire Authority and Assistant Chief Officer, performances by the WYFRS band and demonstrations from operational firefighters.
Poignantly, the Elizabeth Emblem was presented to the family of fallen WYFRS firefighter Kenneth Gledhill, who died in service in 1963. This was marked with a minute’s silence to remember all lost to WYFRS over the years, to reflect on the past of the service as well as looking to the future.
Designed around people and culture, the new HQ replaces the former Grade II listed site at Birkenshaw and marks a step change in how WYFRS collaborates and works. The headquarters features open‑plan workspaces, a café, a gym, and modern working spaces to bring teams together and support modern ways of working.
The £31m development has been funded without external borrowing, using reserves and savings made over many years, ensuring value for money and long‑term resilience for the communities WYFRS serves.
Co‑located on the same site is a major new training centre configured as a vast hangar space. It can house multiple fire engines, host line‑rescue rigs and urban search and rescue training and a purpose‑built “fake house” to support prevention, protection and non‑fire response training.
Chief Fire Officer John Roberts said: “It brings me great pride to officially open our HQ and training centre. We wanted a headquarters that brings people together and reflects the culture we’re building open, collaborative and focused on serving our communities. It’s all part of our vision to make West Yorkshire safer and I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who has made today possible.
A new fire station, Spen Valley is also part of the structure, and will have an official opening next year.
