A historic building once Birmingham’s central fire station has received a modern makeover. The Old Fire Station, based on the corner of Aston Street, first opened in 1935.
Designed by Herbert Humphries and Herbert Manzoni, it was also the headquarters of West Midlands Fire Service. One of its key features, still there today, is a 40ft pole believed to have been the longest in Europe.
Sadly, the fire station closed its doors in 2006. But it’s now home to hundreds of students, and in recent years starred on TV shows Line of Duty and Grand Designs.
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Student Roost, owners of the accommodation since 2018, recently completed a modern overhaul of the former station’s interior. A social space underwent a full-refurbishment and now includes a plasma screen, pool table and gaming.
Furniture was replaced to be more in keeping with the 1930s, and further study space has been created. And with art deco interior, original working lift, fireman’s pole and drill tower still in place, it’s easy to understand why the Grade-II listed building is one of the most sought-after accommodations in the city.
More than 400 students studying at Aston University or Birmingham City University live at the Old Fire Station, which boasts a 24-hour customer service team on site. Rooms are made up of en-suites and mezzanine studios.
All bills are included within rent, and students can access a range of free-to-use facilities, including a gym and private study room.
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Aston University student Arifah Begum said: “The new refurb is so much better and nicer to spend time in. More modern, with loads of space for students to chill and unwind after a stressful day at uni.
“I recently hosted a henna masterclass in the social space with Indian, Bengali, and Pakistani students who live here. I can’t wait to see what events and activities will take place in the social space over the summer and throughout next year.”
(Image: Handout)
Adam Simmons, regional operations manager for Student Roost, added: “The Old Fire Station is such an iconic Birmingham building, and still has such a prominent position in the city’s landscape almost 90 years after it opened.
“Although the buildings original features and striking exterior are a huge talking point for students, we wanted to create a more modern space for our residents to relax, meet friends and unwind after a week of lectures, seminars and studying.”
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