Needham-based Nauset Construction recently broke ground on a new fire station at 300 Washington St. in Westwood.

The $6.8-million project will replace the Islington fire station with a larger, updated facility designed to meet future demand including expanded local development and transit activity. Demolition of the station and adjacent tennis court will begin next week. Completion is anticipated in fall 2016.

Designed by Dore & Whittier Architects, the two-story, 11,100 square foot building will house three apparatus bays, administration space and building support, with dormitory areas, a standby room, kitchen and living spaces located on the second floor. The project’s scope of work also includes installation of new utilities and underground storm water management systems, in addition to construction of a retaining wall. Nauset will also provide paving and landscaping of the grounds and add guard rails and protective sports netting to the retaining wall to prevent softballs and baseballs from the adjacent playing fields from damaging the building.