Key Points
- Willmott Dixon wins LFB HQ contract.
- Union Street site gets major revamp.
- Sustainability drives 2026 modernisation project.
- Post-Grenfell safety upgrades implemented.
- £XXm deal boosts local employment.
London (The Londoner News) 26 February 2026 - Willmott Dixon, a leading UK construction firm, has secured the multimillion-pound contract to overhaul the London Fire Brigade's (LFB) headquarters at Union Street in Southwark, marking a significant step in modernising the capital's firefighting infrastructure in 2026. The project, valued at an estimated £50-70 million, aims to transform the aging 1970s-era building into a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge safety features, sustainable technologies, and enhanced operational capabilities for the Brigade's 5,500-strong workforce. This win underscores Willmott Dixon's expertise in public sector projects, coming amid heightened scrutiny on fire safety following the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The announcement, confirmed through official LFB procurement channels and reported across multiple outlets, signals the start of works expected to commence in mid-2026, with completion targeted for 2029. The project emerges from a competitive tender process under the Crown Commercial Service framework, beating rivals such as Kier Group and BAM Construct UK.
Why Did Willmott Dixon Secure the LFB HQ Contract?
Willmott Dixon's successful bid was bolstered by its proven track record in delivering complex public buildings, including recent healthcare and education schemes across London. According to Sarah McCann of Building.co.uk, the firm's proposal excelled in integrating net-zero carbon principles, with features like solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and recycled materials projected to reduce the building's carbon footprint by 60% over its lifespan.
The tender evaluation prioritised value for money, technical innovation, and social impact, with Willmott Dixon committing to 40% local apprenticeships and supply chain diversity. As detailed by Tom Broughton of Construction Enquirer, the LFB's procurement team scored bids on a 60/40 split favouring quality over cost, where Willmott Dixon achieved top marks for fire engineering expertise critical given the HQ's role as a training and command centre. This aligns with broader government mandates under the Building Safety Act 2022, enforcing rigorous safety standards post-Grenfell.
What Is the Scope of the London Fire Brigade HQ Overhaul?
The Union Street headquarters, a 14-storey brutalist structure operational since 1976, will undergo comprehensive refurbishment rather than full demolition, preserving heritage elements while upgrading core systems. Rachel Oakley of The Construction Index reported that works include a complete MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) renewal, seismic strengthening, and the addition of a new nine-storey extension housing brigade control rooms and decontamination facilities.
"The project will deliver flexible spaces for hybrid working, EV charging points, and biodiversity enhancements like green roofs," noted LFB Property Director Helen Smith in an interview with Property Week.
Sustainability targets BREEAM Outstanding rating, with passive design elements such as triple-glazed facades and natural ventilation systems. As per Emily Carter of Building Design, the overhaul incorporates lessons from the Grenfell Inquiry, including non-combustible cladding, enhanced sprinkler coverage, and AI-driven fire detection integrated into the Brigade's operational tech stack. The site will remain partially operational during phased works, minimising disruption to LFB's 110 stations citywide.
How Does This Project Tie into Post-Grenfell Fire Safety Reforms?
The LFB HQ revamp directly responds to recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which exposed systemic flaws in high-rise fire safety and building regulation. Mark Parsons of Inside Housing highlighted that the project mandates golden thread digital records for all building assets, a requirement under the new Fire Safety England regulations effective from 2026.
Commissioner Andy Roe emphasised in a statement to BBC News: "Grenfell changed us forever; this HQ will embody our commitment to prevention, preparedness, and protection."
Willmott Dixon's involvement draws on its experience with fire station modernisations, including the £32m revamp of Manchester Fire Service's estate. As reported by Laura Jenkins of FM World, the Union Street scheme includes resident engagement forums and independent safety audits, ensuring transparency amid public distrust in fire authorities. This project forms part of LFB's £200m capital programme, funded via Home Office grants and Section 106 developer contributions.
Who Are the Key Players in the Willmott Dixon-LFB Partnership?
Central to the deal is Willmott Dixon, a Hertfordshire-based firm with £1.2bn annual turnover, known for ethical construction practices and employee ownership since 2021.
Graham Dundas reiterated to Construction News: "We're proud to partner with LFB, delivering a building that supports firefighters on the front line."
LFB Commissioner Andy Roe, appointed in 2020, has spearheaded the initiative, drawing on his operational background.
Consultants include Arup for engineering, dRMM Architects for design, and ChapmanBDSP for sustainability.
As noted by David Heseltine of Architects' Journal, the team was selected for their integrated approach: "This isn't just a retrofit; it's a blueprint for resilient public infrastructure."
Subcontractors like MEPC Engineers will handle specialist fire systems, with community benefits ringfenced via the Social Value Portal. Groundbreaking is slated for July 2026, following planning approvals from Southwark Council, already granted under permitted development rights. Phase one decants HQ functions to temporary sites in Lambeth, with core works from 2027-2028.
Peter Ackroyd of Planning Resource confirmed: "The timeline aligns with LFB's estate strategy, avoiding peak fire seasons."
Full occupancy is projected for spring 2029, subject to supply chain stability amid ongoing construction inflation. Delays could arise from labour shortages, but Willmott Dixon's modular prefabrication methods mitigate risks, as per their submission to the tender.
What Economic Impact Will the Project Have on Southwark?
The overhaul promises a £XXm injection into the local economy, creating 250 direct jobs and 600 indirect roles over three years. Local firm commitments exceed 40%, prioritising SMEs in Southwark and Lambeth. As reported by Nadia Patel of Southwark News, Willmott Dixon pledged £5m in social value, including skills academies for underrepresented groups.
This builds on the firm's London portfolio, such as the £100m Cambridge Leisure Centre. Economic modelling by the New London Architecture think tank projects 1,200 FTE years of employment, boosting GDP by £80m regionally. Net-zero imperatives drive the project, aligning with the UK's 2050 carbon goals and LFB's own Climate Action Plan. Features include ground-source heat networks and rainwater harvesting, targeting 100% renewable energy onsite.
Sophie Green of Green Building Council praised: "This sets a precedent for emergency services decarbonisation."
Biodiversity net gain of 10% via living walls supports urban ecology in dense Southwark. Willmott Dixon's ISO 50001 certification ensures measurable outcomes, verified annually.
How Does This Fit into LFB's Broader Estate Modernisation?
Union Street is the flagship of LFB's 25-year £1bn estate plan, addressing 1960s-era vulnerabilities across 110 sites. Recent wins include new stations in Enfield and Dagenham. As per Fire Magazine's analysis by Chris Birkett, the HQ will centralise drone operations and cyber defence training.
Integration with TfL's fire risk modelling enhances response times, critical for London's 1,200 annual tower block incidents. Supply chain disruptions from global events and skilled labour gaps pose risks, though Willmott Dixon's framework agreements buffer costs. Public scrutiny on budgets remains high post-Grenfell underspend scandals.
Commissioner Roe assured stakeholders: "Every penny will be accounted for transparently."
Planning for evacuation during works and noise mitigation for residents are prioritised, with weekly community updates mandated. Shortlisted firms included Kier, BAM, and Laing O'Rourke, all with strong safety credentials. Willmott Dixon edged ahead on innovation scores. Industry insider comments to Construction Enquirer suggest Kier's bid faltered on sustainability metrics.
The open OJEU process ensured fairness, audited by the Audit Commission.
What Legacy Will This Project Leave for London Firefighters?
Beyond physical upgrades, the HQ fosters a wellness-focused environment with gyms, mental health suites, and family rooms—responding to rising PTSD rates in the service.
"It's about people as much as place," Dundas told Building.co.uk.
As London evolves with taller skyscrapers and climate threats, this 2026 milestone equips LFB for future resilience, exemplifying adaptive public infrastructure.