Blackley Community Fire Station – Low-Temperature Heating Solution for Manchester's First New-Build Fire Station

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s new Blackley Community Fire Station represents a significant milestone in the service’s £38 million transformation programme. As part of the first phase of this ambitious 16-year initiative, the station required a modern heating system capable of operating efficiently at low water temperatures while meeting the operational demands of a busy fire service facility.

SPC partnered with Key Integrated Services (North West) Ltd to deliver a tailored heating package featuring CiRRUS Unit Heaters. The solution provides reliable, energy-efficient heating for the appliance bay areas, supporting GMFRS’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2038 through advanced low-temperature hot water (LTHW) systems.

Building for the Future

GMFRS is undertaking one of the UK’s most comprehensive estates modernisation programmes, investing in new facilities that combine operational excellence with decarbonisation targets. The Blackley fire station, delivered by Robertson Construction, features solar panels, a green roof, electric vehicle charging, and energy-efficient systems designed to reduce carbon emissions across the estate.

Our Heating Solution

Working with Project Manager Ryan Dickens at Key Integrated Services, SPC identified the optimal heating solution for the appliance bay environment. Initially exploring Fan Convector options, the sales team recognised that CiRRUS Unit Heaters would better meet the specific requirements for BMS integration, fault signalling, and low-temperature thermal cut-out protection essential for LTHW operation.

The commercial heating system was specified around a 45/35°C low water temperature system, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional heating systems while maintaining optimal performance in the demanding appliance bay environment.

Key Specifications

Appliance Bay Heating — CiRRUS Ci6 Unit Heaters (x2)

Model: Ci6 horizontal unit heaters
Heat exchanger: 3-row water coil optimised for LTHW applications
Mounting: AB cantilever wall brackets for secure installation
Controls:
- BMS1/O/VFC for integration with building management system (enable/disable functionality)
- RS3B three-speed rocker switch for local control
Front panel: SLFP standard louvre front panel
Finish: SWF standard white paint finish
Performance:
- Heating duty: 4.5–6.7 kW (across three speed settings)
- Design basis: Air on 20°C, Water 45/35°C
- Single-phase 230V operation

The units provide flexible speed control with outputs ranging from 4.5 kW at low speed to 6.7 kW at high speed, allowing precise temperature management to suit varying operational conditions.

Project Outcome

The energy-efficient heating installation supports Blackley’s position as one of Greater Manchester’s most sustainable emergency service facilities. The low-temperature heating approach minimises carbon emissions while ensuring firefighters and equipment are maintained at optimal conditions.

With completion scheduled for November 2026, the project demonstrates how strategic specification of LTHW systems and commercial heating solutions can deliver both operational reliability and ambitious decarbonisation goals for public sector buildings.

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