The Neighbourhood Policing Team in Washington has officially moved into the Washington Community Fire Station at the Glover Industrial Estate, marking a new phase for local emergency services.
The move, which took place on 14 May 2026, follows the decision by Northumbria Police to sell the former police station near the Galleries shopping centre. According to the force, the old building was no longer fit for purpose and would have required significant investment, meaning the move to the fire station offers a more efficient use of public resources.
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service station, which first opened in 2005, already serves as a hub for emergency services. It currently hosts the North East Ambulance Service, which operates two appliances from the site, and also provides space for the Great North Air Ambulance Service. This co-location model is already in use at other regional fire stations, including those in Hebburn, Farringdon, and Sunderland Central.
While the new location provides a base for officers, the police confirmed that the facility will not be public-facing, continuing a practice from the previous station which had not been open to the public for several years. The site continues to serve local residential areas and the Nissan manufacturing plant.
The fire station remains available for community use, featuring a 60-seat lecture room designed for training and local events. The partnership has been welcomed by local leadership, including Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority Chair Phil Tye, who endorsed the collaborative model for its focus on efficiency.
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