INFRASTRUCTURE and facilities management group Jarvis has completed a deal to build a fire brigade headquarters on Wearside.

The project is part of an £87m private finance initiative deal with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority, which also includes building six fire stations and a technical services centre.

The construction work, which begins this month, is due to be completed in October next year.

Hertford-based Jarvis will then be responsible for maintenance, security, IT and janitorial services at the sites for 25 years.

The headquarters will be built at Barmston Mere, in Washington, next to the site of the brigade's existing training centre, which Jarvis will also serve.

Sunderland, Newcastle and Gateshead will each get two new fire stations while the technical services centre, for servicing fire engines, will be located in Gateshead.