Work on a major construction programme to rebuild ageing fire-stations including four across in east London gets under way from next month.

The final contract has been signed with London Fire Brigade’s private sector partner for the design, building, financing and maintenance of the stations.

The Brigade gets £51.5 million to replace and make major improvements to fire stations at Shadwell, Plaistow, Dagenham and Leytonstone, as well as others across south London.

Work at Plaistow begins next month, while rebuilding Shadwell, Dagenham and Leytonstone has to wait a year, from September, 2014. They are being completely re-built on their existing sites.

“Some fire stations are over 100 years old,” said Assistant Commissioner Dominic Ellis. “This rebuilding programme will bring some of our oldest stations up to date and provide new facilities.”

Shadwell fire station in Cable Street opened in 1910 and still bears the old ‘London County Council’ emblem above the front doors.

Today it is among the most innovative fire stations, the first to run the ‘Life’ programme involving youngsters in the East End to learn about fire-fighting seven years ago, which has since been introduced up and down the country.

The rebuilding programme will be completed in two phases, with work starting at four locations next month or October, including Plaistow.

The second phase begins from September next year at Shadwell, Dagenham and Leytonstone, each taking around 12 months to complete.

Arrangements are being made for emergency fire cover being provided while the fire-stations are being rebuilt. Crews will continue on emergency call-outs and carry out community safety work while rebuilding is going on, the Fire Brigade confirmed.

But Shadwell won’t be able to rely on two of its neighbouring fire stations because Bow is being closed and Whitechapel being reduced in London Mayor Boris Johnson’s cuts being pushed through. Plaistow also will be without Silvertown fire-station which is also on the closure list.