Historic Smethwick fire station set to become nursery

The old Cape Hill Brewery fire station in Barrett Street has been the subject of a £130,000 revamp by entrepreneur Zadvinder Padda and his family.

The historic building has been renamed Station House in a nod to its former life and will be the home to the new Fireflies Nursery.

Mr Padda, who also runs GNG Nursery in Smethwick, said: "The fire station has been out of use since the 1980s and I saw an opportunity to do something with it.

"It's a chance to retain some of the heritage and history of the station, but as a nursery.

"My family has been in Smethwick since the 1960s and this is a family enterprise.

"When I first walked into the building you could see work needed doing but there was massive potential.

"It's a big site and quite a sturdy property which will be 100 years old in a few years.

"I really wanted this building to be put to use for the benefit of the local area."

Mr Padda, 40, has worked closely with Sandwell Council in rejuvenating the historic building.

He said he hopes to open in the next couple of months and was inspired by the chance to renovate a landmark structure.

"Buildings like this can become eyesores or white elephants - or they can be brought back to life," Smethwick born and bred Mr Padda said.

"I just thought the opportunity was good to miss.

"It's been hard work but I think when it's finished and open it will be one of the best nurseries in the area - like the fire station used to be one of the best around."

The new Midland Metropolitan Hospital due to open in Smethwick 2017 is expected transform the Cape Hill area.

Mr Padda said opening a nursery he expects to be outstanding is the first sign of that upcoming regeneration.

The old fire station opened in 1927 and was once labelled 'the finest private fire station in the country'.

For enquires or sign up to the nursery's waiting list call 0121 565 2210 or email info@firefliesnursery.co.uk.