Plans have been unveiled to rebuild the roof of Forest Gate Police Station in East London, more than a year after the building was ravaged by fire. The Metropolitan Police have submitted designs for reconstruction, aiming to restore full operational capacity to the site which has remained unused since the blaze on March 6, 2024.
Blaze Left Forest Gate Station in Ruins
The fire, which tore through the top floor of the Forest Gate Police Station, required a massive emergency response. Around 175 firefighters and 30 engines attended the incident, and 60 people were evacuated from the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Since the incident, the building has been empty and wrapped in scaffolding, with local policing operations relocated to temporary units in Stratford. A planning report by Knight Frank, submitted on behalf of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), confirms that the station will remain out of use until the damaged roof is fully reconstructed.
Rebuild Plans Include Roof and Expansion
Under the approved plans, the replacement roof will mirror the height of the original and feature a modern standing seam aluminium finish. New windows will be installed to improve usability on the upper floor.
The redevelopment also includes a three-storey extension, an increase in car parking spaces from 62 to 74, a new pedestrian crossing at Green Street, and a substation and switch rooms. Additionally, 50 cycle parking spaces will be added, with improved access for long- and short-term use.
Community Feedback and Committee Decision
Newham Council’s Local Development Committee is scheduled to formally review and approve the application at a meeting on June 23. Consultation letters were sent to 161 neighbouring properties. Only two responses were received — one in support and another offering neutral feedback.
Concerns were raised about the current lighting strategy and potential light pollution. Council officers confirmed any future lighting proposals would require approval and must consider nearby homes.
High Architectural Standards
Planning officers described the proposals as being of a “sufficiently high architectural standard” and recommended approval. Once completed, the station is expected to restore much-needed local policing capacity to Forest Gate and the surrounding community.
The restoration signals a major step forward in revitalising East London’s emergency infrastructure following the March 2024 fire that significantly disrupted police services.
