OMI bags fire service museum role

OMI Architects has been picked to work up proposals for a Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum at Rochdale’s 1930s fire station.

The project would restore and adapt the Art Deco building, on Mulcure Road, to create an accessible museum with new visitor services and a café. 

The revamped building would provide a permanent home for the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum collection and archive.

OMI will now develop proposals to support a Heritage Lottery Fund Stage II submission.

OMI director Andy James said the project was a prestigious one that would be a “key moment” in the building’s history.

“The opportunity of creating a permanent curated space to showcase the history of the Greater Manchester Fire Service, is one that we are very proud of,” he said.

Salford-based OMI recently completed the extension of Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery and the refurbishment of the grade II-listed Fusilier Museum in Bury. 

It is currently working on the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland.