Leeds-based Jackson Fire & Security have recently completed a fire risk assessment for a newly renovated multi-purpose community hub, once a fire station to service the community of Gipton and surrounding areas in Leeds.
The Old Fire Station is now home to six local charities, along with rooms available to hire, a cookery school and a café for all of the community to enjoy.
Many of the original features have been retained - old pumps, the firemen's poles, some flooring and tiles - but the building has been transformed into a modern, bright hub of activity.
An essential part of this refurbishment was to complete a fire risk assessment of the building to assess the change of use and make recommendations for fire safety improvements.
Jackson Fire & Security carried out a bespoke fire risk assessment to examine the potential risks and ensure the new building would comply with legal fire safety obligations.
As a result of the assessment, the fire and security specialists have supplied, installed and commissioned fire extinguishers for the new community hub. By appointing Jackson Fire & Security for this work, the community hub were assured the work was undertaken by BAFE qualified technicians and all fire extinguishers carry a British Standard Kitemark.
GIPSIL, a local organisation working with children, young people and families in the most disadvantages communities in Leeds, put forward the idea of saving the building for community projects. Leeds Community Foundation provided a grant to purchase and renovate the former fire station through the generosity of local businessman, the late Jimi Heselden.
Since then GIPSIL have awarded Jackson Fire & Security a further fire extinguisher servicing contract for their other community support centre in Gipton.
Jackson Fire & Security branch director, Kris Milner said: “We are really happy to be involved in this local community project which is a great asset to East Leeds.
“Since carrying out the initial fire risk assessment we are talking to Leeds Community Foundation about further projects so I think this demonstrates the good start we have made to this relationship.”
Project Consultant for GFS Community Enterprise, Fran Etherington said: "Jackson Fire & Security made the process of carrying out the fire risk assessment very straight forward. They ensured we were provided with all the correct equipment to ensure compliance for the new community centre.
"The advice and attention to detail we received throughout the process was very reassuring and we look forward to working with them in the future."
