Surrey town’s ex-fire station could become community hub with rooftop terrace and library

A library, community hub with a rooftop terrace and new supported independent living homes could be coming to the former Sunbury fire station site. A planning application submitted by Surrey County Council for the site, in Staines Road West, describes a “focal point” for the community in the new building which would also be used as offices for council staff.

A first floor roof terrace is included in the plans for use by the community hub, with activities suggested including “gaming, exercising and relaxing” and planning documents showing table tennis tables and a rooftop yoga class. The public can comment on plans for the five-storey building until June 19 via the Spelthorne Borough Council site.

The fire station closed in 2019 when operations moved to the fire station in Kingston Road, before the buildings were demolished in March 2021. A leaflet sent to residents as part of the consultation process said: “The vacant site is an ideal location for a community hub, with strong transport connections and close to local amenities such as schools, doctor’s surgeries and restaurants.”

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The first three floors would be used for the community hub, the library, a multi purpose hall, adult learning services and council offices. Above this, and with a separate entrance, there will be 12 supported independent living homes which would be accessed and managed separately from the public parts of the building.

The flats would be for Surrey residents with mental health needs and learning disabilities and/or autism, with Spelthorne having been identified by the county council as an “area of need” for affordable supported independent living accommodation. The development would have around 35 car parking spaces including three dedicated disabled spaces as well as charging point for electric cars.

There will also be secure bike parking for public and staff. Two public consultation events were held in December 2022 giving residents the opportunity to see the plans and give feedback before the application was submitted.