Brandweerzone Centrum is expanding with a new facility at the main fire station on Roggestraat in Ghent. This expansion is essential to accommodate the growing needs of the emergency services zone, which currently serves 18 municipalities across East Flanders, including Ghent. By 2025, the municipalities of Wetteren and Laarne will also join. With 14 fire stations and over 800 firefighters ready to respond 24/7, the Fire Brigade Zone Centrum is a crucial lifeline for the region.
The new building will significantly boost the operational and logistical capacity of the fire brigade. It will include additional bays for vehicles and equipment, modernized workshops for vehicle maintenance, and expanded office spaces. A key feature will be a crisis center, designed as a command hub for all emergency services during large-scale incidents or disasters.
Beyond its functional upgrades, the new building will feature a welcoming reception area, including a fire safety education center. Here, children and visitors can learn about fire prevention and safety. The facility will also house classrooms for the youth fire brigade, ensuring vital training for the next generation of firefighters.
A notable technical highlight is the connection between the new building and the existing fire station via a fire-resistant sectional shutter from Winlock, offering 60 minutes of fire protection (EI1 60). This door enables fire compartmentalization, allowing each section of the station to be isolated in the event of a fire, greatly improving the safety of the building and its personnel.
The new infrastructure is expected to be fully operational by April 2025. This project, spearheaded by construction firm Stadsbader in collaboration with engineering firm Ingenium and DBV Architects, represents a major advancement for both the Fire Brigade Zone Centrum and the city of Ghent.
Thank you, Brandweerzone Centrum en Stadsbader!
