Teesside firm ERW starts work on iconic Manchester fire station restoration project

This article was published on February 4, 2020

A Middlesbrough-based timber window and door specialist is carrying out the overhaul of windows at Manchester’s Grade II Listed London Road Fire Station. 

ERW has been commissioned for the revamp of 290 original windows as part of a transformation project that will see the historic building become a 21st-century work and living space. 

This includes the revamp of original windows. The majority being restored, however where casement timbers are beyond repair, the casements will be carefully replicated. 

Opened in 1906, the landmark Edwardian Baroque style fire station – which stands opposite Piccadilly Station in the heart of Manchester City Centre – operated as the brigade’s headquarters for eighty years until its closure in 1986. 

In addition to housing firemen and their families, the building featured a police station, ambulance station, bank and coroner’s court.

As well as office space and luxury apartments, the 140,000 square foot structure will be home to a boutique hotel and curated spaces for leisure and cultural events.

Phillip Wall, commercial manager at ERW, said: “The London Road Fire Station is a prestigious building with a storied history in Manchester, so getting to work on it is a big deal for ERW especially with us being from outside the area.    

“While it’s not the single biggest project we have carried out in terms of scale, it’s certainly the biggest building we’ve worked on to date. 

“Being awarded the contract is a testament to our skills and craftsmanship in the renovation of heritage buildings.” 

ERW will work alongside restoration specialist Quadriga on the project, which comes on the back of the successful renovation of Skelton High Street.

“The majority of our work is centred around the North East and Yorkshire but having been approached directly by Quadriga and hearing about the vision for the project, it was something we were excited to be involved with,” said Phillip. 

“We have a great working relationship with Quadriga on smaller projects like the Skelton Heritage Shop Front Scheme, so we’re thrilled to be able to continue that on such a high-profile job.” 

Simon O’Reilly, Contracts Manager at Quadriga, said: “We are pleased to be working alongside ERW at London Road Fire Station as they restore the historic windows to the courtyard.  Due to the buildings listed nature, it was vital to bring on a specialist with heritage experience to carry out the work.”        

Three of ERW’s installers from Teesside will work on-site for the duration of the project with all manufacturing taking place at the company’s Skipper’s Lane workshop. Work is expected to be completed by February 2020.