Bath’s iconic 1930s art deco fire station is at the center of a heated debate as the government reviews its earlier decision to deny it Grade II listed status. The local council is set to vote tomorrow on whether to approve the demolition of the historic building to make way for a modern replacement.
The Avon Fire and Rescue Service has proposed tearing down the fire station, citing its outdated doors that are too narrow to accommodate today’s fire engines safely. The planned new facility promises wider, taller bays and state-of-the-art amenities to better serve the community. Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee will decide on the application at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 19.
In response, preservation advocates have rallied to save the fire station, highlighting its architectural and historical significance. Historic England initially rejected the Grade II listing application in September, but that decision is currently under official review. Should the review remain unresolved by the committee’s vote, the council will proceed as if the building is not listed.
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The fire station is a rare example of female-led architecture from the era, designed by Molly Gerrard (née Taylor) in 1938, who later created Kilowatt House. Historic England describes it as “probably the last of the long tradition of classical buildings in the city before modernism took hold.”
The station played a crucial role during the Bath Blitz of 1942 and now ranks among Avon Fire and Rescue’s oldest operational sites. Its narrow vehicle bays have led to frequent collisions with fire engines, risking delays in emergency response. The planning application notes, “Vehicles frequently strike the sides of the building,” compromising safety.
Council planning officers recommend approving the demolition, emphasizing that emergency services’ operational needs and public safety must take priority over preserving a historic structure. Their report stresses Bath Fire Service’s vital role in protecting the city’s numerous heritage sites, including the World Heritage Site itself.
Relocating the fire station is not a viable option since on-call firefighters must live within a five-minute drive, making proximity essential. Moving would necessitate major recruitment or relocation efforts for 14 personnel.
The new station design includes six vehicle bays—one more than currently—and features decontamination facilities and enhanced welfare areas. Supporting the proposal, firefighters highlight the importance of wellbeing spaces given the mental and physical stresses they face at incidents. These new facilities will offer private counseling rooms, peaceful outdoors areas, and a gym to maintain operational fitness and support resilience.
A dedicated wellbeing terrace with planting will serve as a restorative outdoor retreat. Additional wellness features include a gym, basketball court, and a modern kitchen and lounge to foster camaraderie among crews.
Some historic elements will be retained: the original fireman’s pole will be salvaged and integrated into the new building’s design, while the emblematic façade crest will be carefully removed and reinstalled at the public entrance.
The Bath and North East Somerset Council planning committee will convene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, in the Brunswick/Braunschweig Room at Bath Guildhall to decide the fire station’s fate.