Orpington sizzled with excitement as they unveiled their brand new state-of-the-art fire station.
The building was officially opened by Bromley mayor Cllr Kim Botting yesterday (February 17) in Avalon Road.
The current station replaces the former one, which had stood on the same site since 1958.
MORE TOP STORIES While it was under construction, some fire fighters operated from a temporary station nearby while the others worked out of Beckenham station, in Beckenham Road.
The new-build was made possible through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), creating ‘public-private partnerships’ and widely used in the NHS.
In total nine stations across the capital will be rebuilt using PFI.
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "The old Orpington fire station was built over 58 years ago and was fast becoming unsuitable for modern day use.
"It has now been completely rebuilt in order to meet with the current demands of the local population.
Brand new #Orpington fire station officially opened https://t.co/WJtyN8RzeI. It replaces the former one built in '58 pic.twitter.com/0d1YZdgfn0
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) February 18, 2016
"This brand new fire station is fantastic for the local community it serves, as well as for the firefighters who can now benefit from the new facilities.
"Orpington is now home to one of the best and most modern fire stations in London."
The mayor also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the new station, which started construction in 2014.
She added: "I'm pleased to unveil the plaque and officially open this fantastic new fire station which I hope will serve our community for many more years to come."
A team from Red Watch will be giving members of the public tours of the latest facilities.
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