New fire station starts to grow | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

by Nathan Crombie

By the end of next week it should be pretty much closed in and even though the underground work took some time, more visible progress should start taking place.Wayne Robinson, fire chief

Work on the new Carterton Fire Station has just broken above ground and rapid advances are expected as buildings start taking shape.

Fire chief Wayne Robinson said workers yesterday began craning concrete wall panels into place at the High Street site neighbouring Carrington Park after long weeks of preparatory work underground.

Demolition of the old firehouse started in June and its high-tech three-bay replacement is expected to be completed early next year.

He said work on pouring the concrete floors was to start today with remaining wall frames set to go up throughout the 450sq m structure next week.

"By the end of next week it should be pretty much closed in and even though the underground work took some time, more visible progress should start taking place from now on," Mr Robinson said.

The 25-strong volunteer Carterton force will continue to scramble throughout the 30-week building contract from a neighbouring temporary base, which now houses both Carterton fire engines along with radio and firefighting equipment.

He said two small firefighters' flats at the rear of the station site are being used as offices.