The cost of building a new fire station in Crewe has increased by £375k - because of soaring inflation.

The new building on Crewe Road/Macon Way roundabout had been costed at £7m - but that has now risen to £7.375m.

A report due to go before Wednesday's (June 22), meeting of Cheshire Fire Authority says that money has already agreed as a matter of urgency – outside of the normal meeting process.

Inside Crewe Fire Station. The cost of building a new fire station in Crewe has increased due to soaring inflation (Liam Blundell).

The report states: "Since the estates and property committee decided, on March 1 2022, that the project to replace the existing fire station in Crewe with a new building, should proceed, there have been developments that have led to a delay in signing the design and build contract.

"During this period the cost of the project has increased.

"The project can only proceed if additional capital funding is allocated.

"The sum of £375k is required, increasing the overall budget from £7m to £7.375m.

"The project team is satisfied that the cost increases, due to the impact of abnormal inflation, are consistent with the current market conditions that are affecting the construction sector."

The report adds the decision has already been taken and could not wait until the next meeting of the fire authority because 'the project team believe that any delay will see the cost of the project increase further'.

Permission to demolish the existing fire station off the Crewe Road/Macon Way roundabout and replace it with a new station was granted by Cheshire East Council in November last year.

The overall budget for Crewe Fire Station has increased from £7m to £7.375m (Crewe Fire Station).

This included a training tower and training building together with car parking.

The present fire station, which was opened in 1966, no longer fits the needs of the service and a new one is being built which is better suited for the current operational requirements.

READ MORE: Fire at Queens Park: back of garden storage building deliberately set alight.

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