Ryde Fire Station and Brigade Training Complex at Nicholson Road was officially opened by HRH Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, on 10th May 1994.
The need for the the then Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was 1st identified in the 1980s as their former building in Brunswick Street (now Station Street) was deemed inadequate. The service aspired to expand on its modest training facilities that were located at Sandown Fire Station at that time.
The new Fire Station at Nicholson Road provided a far broader drill ground, an impressive drill tower structure, and the services’ first live-fire building. The building was also provided with a range of offices, lecture rooms, showers and other conveniences.
So impressive was the new structure at Nicholson Road that a senior fire officer referred to it as “the jewel in the crown of the service”.
Although the official opening was in May 1994, operational firefighters and instructors of the Brigade Training Centre began moving in in 1993.
At the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Public Protection Committee, Mr B Drake, declared:
“I take great pride in being able to provide a building which recognises the important and essential rolethat the Fire and Rescue Service play in ensuring a safe and secure environment for the people of the the Island and its visitors.”
Chief Fire Officer, Mr D Appleby, added:
“This is an important event in the history of the County’s Fire and Rescue Service, because we are not only opening a new Fire Station, but also a modern training facility designed to meet the needs of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service well into the next century.”
The Nicholson Road building was Ryde’s 3rd Fire Station. The 1st – under the Town Hall – was completed in the 1830s. The 2nd Fire Station at Brunswick Street was opened in the winter of 1904.
Ironically, it was probably smoke that killed her… 😮
East Cowes fire station official closed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire service
Bembridge next I suspect after wasting thousands doing it up.