After months of delays, firefighters have moved to a brand new state-of-the-art fire station.

Firefighters from Mitcham moved from the station in Lower Green West where crews have been based for almost 100 years on Monday.

The move came two days before a planned walk-out on Wednesday over what unions call the ‘unworkable pension scheme Westminster wants to implement.’

Wimbledon Times:

Inside the new station in London Road. Picture: London Fire Brigade

Building work at the new station in London Road, Mitcham, began in September 2013 and was finished earlier this month.

The multi-million pound project suffered from repeated delays due to design issues and had been due to open in August last year.

Wimbledon Times:

Inside the new station in London Road. Picture: London Fire Brigade

The construction project is part of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project which will see nine London fire stations coming to the end of their life, replaced by brand new buildings.

The new station features a larger appliance bay, a four storey training tower, drill yard and an area for road traffic collision training.

It also houses a station office, lecture and quiet study rooms and a kitchen and dining area for firefighters.

Wimbledon Times:

The former station

There are also separate shower, changing and resting areas that can be modified to accommodate the different male to female ratio on each watch.

There are now also areas within the station that the public can visit to access important fire safety information, as well as a community room available for bookings.

The building meets the highest environmental standards and uses sun pipes and roof lights to draw in natural light. Solar panels also help to reduce energy and running costs.

Station manager Jeff Lisle said: "This brand new fire station is good news for the local community.

"The old Mitcham station has served residents for almost 100 years, but it no longer meets the demands of a modern fire and rescue service.

"The new station will provide us with facilities fit for the 21st century and reinforces our commitment to providing the best possible service to Londoners."

The former site nearby opposite Cricket Green will be sold shortly and could be turned into homes, or used for community projects.

Firefighters from Purley will temporarily relocate to Mitcham’s new station tomorrow Friday, February 27, while work is carried out at its station as part of the PFI project.