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Camels Head Fire Station - New Build
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority · Police and fire
In brief
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority has announced plans to buy construction work. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.
The estimated value is £4,875,000 excluding VAT.
The contract runs for 19 months, starting 1 June 2027.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
Can I win this?
Competition
Usually high: a median of 7 bids per contract for construction contracts in this region (from 476 awards in the last 12 months).
What the notice says
The Authority is intending to contract for a new build fire station on our existing Camels Head site at Ferndale Road, Plymouth, Devon. The new facility will provide an emergency response function (with 3 fire appliance bays). The new fire station will be built to building regulations whilst incorporating low carbon systems. The contract will include demolition of the existing premise (excluding the tower). The onsite operational presence will be fully decanted in advance of site works commencing. The Authority has engaged a project team that will design the build to RIBA Stage 4a before tendering. The design team will be novated to the Contractor. The construction form of contract will be…Read the full description
The Authority is intending to contract for a new build fire station on our existing Camels Head site at Ferndale Road, Plymouth, Devon. The new facility will provide an emergency response function (with 3 fire appliance bays). The new fire station will be built to building regulations whilst incorporating low carbon systems. The contract will include demolition of the existing premise (excluding the tower). The onsite operational presence will be fully decanted in advance of site works commencing.
The Authority has engaged a project team that will design the build to RIBA Stage 4a before tendering. The design team will be novated to the Contractor.
The construction form of contract will be JCT Design and Build (2024) and any requests to amend terms will be required to be submitted during the the tender clarification window prior to tender return submission deadline.
We plan to go to tender in February 2027 with a 10-week tendering period. The intention is for the tender pack to include, but is not limited to: Invitation to Tender, Prelims and Contract Particulars, Design packs, and Pre-Construction Information Pack. The tender stage will allow time for a site visit.
The intention is to assess bids under a 70% Price / 30% Quality & Social Value split. Quality and Social Value themes for assessment will be confirmed in the tender pack but are likely to focus on project delivery approach, risk management, programme/deliverability, environmental impact and improving local community. Price will be assessed via a fixed price, with a pricing schedule breakdown.
Contract Award is anticipated in Summer 2027 with works anticipated to start onsite Autumn 2027, and completion during Winter 2028.
Contract performance will be monitored using KPIs which will be defined in the tender pack.
Our estimated cost of the build is currently £4.875m ex VAT, which determines this as a ‘public contract’ in respect of the Procurement Act 2023.
How to bid
- Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
- Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.
Timeline
- Pipeline notice · UK1, notice 040516-2026
- Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 097514-2026
About the buyer
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue AuthorityLast 12 months
Procurements
27Awards
19Suppliers it has used most for construction
- Kenex Engineering Ltd2 contracts
- Labour Force Direct Ltd2 contracts
- Crofton Engineering Limited1 contract
- D A Wright Limited1 contract
- Fifields Ltd1 contract
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From notice 040516-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 1 May 2026, last updated 15 October 2026. We last checked for changes on 15 October 2026.