Gipton Fire Station: Blue plaque recognition for Leeds life-saving landmark
It was the life-saving landmark built to serve the growing estates of Gipton, Harehills, Seacroft and beyond.
For nearly 80 years, the crews at Gipton Fire Station answered thousands of emergency calls, at one point the highest number in the country, supporting people across Leeds, particularly in times of crisis.
Firefighters lived on site, trained together, and built a sense of camaraderie that still resonates today. Throughout its history, the station’s crews responded to the challenges of the Blitz, two major fire service strikes, and countless emergencies, playing a vital role in the safety and resilience of the city.
After its closure in 2015, the building was given a new lease of life as The Old Fire Station, a thriving community hub. Its transformation was made possible thanks to funding from the late Leeds philanthropist Jimi Heselden OBE, with support from Leeds Community Foundation.
Fast forward to 2025 and the Old Fire Station has been awarded the city’s 204th Blue Plaque by Leeds Civic Trust, recognising its remarkable architectural, social, and community legacy.
The unveiling will form part of this year’s Heritage Open Days programme, celebrating the stories, places, and traditions of the city’s rich history and heritage. The blue plaque will be unveiled on Saturday, September 20, from 6.30pm followed by a performance of Trailblazing: Women Have Always Been Firefighters and a Q&A with the performers.
Leeds Civic Trust director, Martin Hamilton, said: “When Gipton Fire Station was built, the fire service was run and managed by the local authority. This fire station is a rare pre-WW2 survivor. It was built to serve the new Gipton Estate and East Leeds. The plaque enables us to recognise the life-saving work carried out by firefighters and its transformation into a community building.”
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The Old Fire Station development manager, Fran Etherington, said: “‘The community at The Old Fire Station are thrilled to have our amazing building recognised with a Blue Plaque. The heritage of the firefighters and the transformation to a community hub has been a journey we are all so proud of. The success of the building supporting local people and providing a safe and welcoming space for all, has been a joy to be part of.”
Leeds Civic Trust promotes the improvements of Leeds in the spheres of planning, architecture, heritage and city amenities and is responsible for the blue plaque scheme in the city.
Since 1987 the Trust has unveiled more than 200 plaques across the district celebrating people, events and buildings that have made a significant contribution to the city of Leeds.