Merseyside fire fighters have moved into their new and unique Toxteth station.
The £5.2 million Toxteth Fire Fit Hub, located on the corner of Windsor Road and Upper Warwick Street combines a traditional fire station with a youth centre open to the public.
The youth centre will offer services including a sports hall, martial arts studio, gym and dance studio and four five-a-side football pitches, which are available to hire seven days a week.
Chair of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Dave Hanratty said: “This fire station is a fantastic facility for our fire fighters and for the local community. Along with the other facilities on the site this is a great opportunity for the Toxteth communities and the people in the surrounding areas.”
The youth facilities will undergo a trial opening period beginning in March ahead of its official launch later in the year.
Funding for the new Toxteth Fire Fit Hub was secured through the £2.3 million Department for Education myplace initiative, with an additional £2.8 million funding from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and £500,000 from Liverpool City Council.
Tony Shenton, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction who helped to build the facility, said: “The Toxteth Fire Fit Hub has been a true example of how regeneration projects can not only make a physical difference to a community, but also bring with it a host of lasting benefits for its people.”