Fire fighters hunting for a new home

PERTH’s fire fighters are scouring the CBD for a new site to house their city station and headquarters.

Last year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority had been negotiating with the City of Perth and a consortium of private owners to purchase an amalgamation of properties in Wellington and Hill streets in East Perth.

That deal fell through when the owners couldn’t agree over the sale.

FESA’s search for a new headquarters site has been prompted by its ageing, outmoded Hay Street headquarters, which were built more than 24 years ago. 

It is understood refurbishment of the building is still an option if a suitable replacement cannot be found.  

FESA spokeswoman Jenelle Provost said FESA was still looking for a 400 square metre site with dual road access.  

She said the authority was considering a number of development options, including splitting the administration and fire station components of the FESA headquarters.

Under this option FESA administration could be moved out of the CBD while a new fire station would be constructed in a CBD or near-CBD location.

Ms Provost said FESA had employed a consultant to investigate potential development sites.

“We are on a fishing expedition and we are seeing what’s out there,” she said.

FESA is one of only a few CBD tenants considering building or anchoring a new building in the Perth CBD.

The only other tenancy requirement that could spark a new development is engineering group Clough Limited. Late last year Clough announced its plans to consolidate its operations and begin searching for 12,000sqm of office space.