Pick Everard-designed carbon-neutral fire station opens on Croydon Road in Reigate

A 950 square metre carbon-neutral fire station designed by Pick Everard has opened in Reigate for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, replacing the former station on Croydon Road, the consultancy announced on 5 November.

Pick Everard said it provided design services up to RIBA Stage 3 and acted as technical adviser from Stage 4 onwards, working with Surrey County Council's Land and Property team and contractor Neilcott Construction. The appointment came through the Surrey County Council Professional Services Framework.

The all-electric building is designed as a 24/7 operating base and combines a high-performance fabric with solar technology and energy management, according to Pick Everard. Surrey County Council described the station as all-electric and solar-powered, supporting local and national net zero ambitions.

Chris Gilbert, associate director of architecture at Pick Everard, said: "Reigate Fire Station has been designed to put operational performance, firefighter wellbeing and long-term sustainability at the heart of the building."

The design

The layout separates operational, cleaning and living areas to improve control of contaminants, Pick Everard said. Facilities include a new appliance bay for regular and specialist vehicles, external access to crew showers to support "shower within the hour" procedures, and dedicated space for servicing breathing apparatus.

The station also has a gym and a wellbeing garden. Its gender-neutral design provides private facilities throughout, which Pick Everard links to inclusive recruitment into the service.

Neilcott Construction said the project included inclusive rest and shower areas, energy-efficient systems, solar panels, tree protection measures and managed logistics.

The building also includes an ambulance touchdown base for South East Coast Ambulance Service, according to Pick Everard. The council said space is included for colleagues from the ambulance service.

Dan Quin, Chief Fire Officer, said in the council's release: "This is a fantastic new base for our crews and an important investment in the safety of Surrey people."

Funding and procurement

Surrey County Council's release said funding came from SFRS's Fire and Rescue Authority, Surrey County Council.

Pick Everard has worked for the council since a 2021 appointment under which it supplies architecture, lead design, interior design, landscape design and principal designer services. At the time, the council had set out a £1bn capital investment programme over four years, Pick Everard said.

Programme

When construction started in January 2025, Pick Everard said the existing Croydon Road station would be demolished to make way for the purpose-built 950 sq m facility, with work scheduled to complete in 2026.

Surrey County Council announced on 20 October 2026 a free community open afternoon to mark the re-opening, held on Friday 30 October from 2pm to 6pm at the Croydon Road station.

Wider estate plan

Pick Everard said the Reigate scheme forms part of a wider plan that includes fire station renovations at Chobham and Lingfield, and training facility upgrades at Wray Park, which it described as the largest single investment in training in the service's history.

Ciarán O'Leary, Regional Director at Neilcott Construction, said the contractor is now looking forward to starting the next phase at Wray Park, upgrading the fire training facilities.