AwardedAwarded 5 January 2026
IWM/2526/FM/3479: Design and Construction of New Fire Engine Shed at IWM Duxford
Imperial War Museums · Central government
In brief
Imperial War Museums awarded construction and architecture and engineering work to Carmelcrest Ltd on 5 January 2026.
The notice gives a value of £595,833 excluding VAT.
The contract runs for 8 months, starting 1 December 2025.
The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
What the notice says
Imperial War Museums ("IWM") invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors to undertake the Design & Build of a new Fire Engine Shed at IWM Duxford, adjacent to the existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower. The facility will serve as a modern operational hub for fire response, equipment storage, and personnel readiness. The design must be utilitarian and robust, with low maintenance requirements, while incorporating heritage-style features and a colour palette that complements surrounding historic buildings. The structure will be compact yet fully functional, delivering cost-effective value in line with public sector expectations. The shed must not obstruct sightlines from the Visual…Read the full description
Imperial War Museums ("IWM") invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors to undertake the Design & Build of a new Fire Engine Shed at IWM Duxford, adjacent to the existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower. The facility will serve as a modern operational hub for fire response, equipment storage, and personnel readiness. The design must be utilitarian and robust, with low maintenance requirements, while incorporating heritage-style features and a colour palette that complements surrounding historic buildings. The structure will be compact yet fully functional, delivering cost-effective value in line with public sector expectations.
The shed must not obstruct sightlines from the Visual Control Room, nor exceed the height or footprint of the ATC Tower. A physical separation between the new building and the tower is required for operational and fire safety compliance.
Internally, the shed will house three fire vehicles with appropriate spacing, automatic emergency doors, exhaust extraction, and durable flooring. It will also include storage for fire PPE, relocated washing machines, breathing apparatus equipment, and other essential services.
Support facilities will comprise a breathing apparatus room with water supply, workbench, and extraction systems; decontamination showers with changing areas and lockers; a changing room with heating, filtration, and drying provisions; and a washing machine room with drying space and ventilation. A watch room will provide CCTV coverage of movement areas.
External works will include a floodlit vehicle access zone, direct links to taxiways, security measures such as bollards and optional CCTV, and appropriate drainage systems. Access improvements and lighting upgrades are also planned.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with completion targeted for July 2026. Contractors must adhere to strict airside safety protocols, maintain a clean site, and address environmental factors.
The design must ensure no visual obstruction, match the ATC tower’s dimensions, and support future operational upgrades, including CAT 7 compliance.
Access Code : 43Q8JP8P9B
To view this notice, please click here:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=1004593960
Who won
| Winner | Value | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Carmelcrest Ltd 14 bids received | £698,635 | Awarded 5 January 2026 |
Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.
Timeline
- Tender notice · UK4, notice 063067-2025
- Contract award notice · UK6, notice 000925-2026
About the buyer
Imperial War MuseumsLast 12 months
Procurements
49Awards
31Suppliers it has used most for construction
- Allelys Heavy Haulage Limited1 contract
- Base Structures UK Ltd1 contract
- Bechtle Direct Limited1 contract
- Carmelcrest Ltd1 contract
- Daedalus SPV Ltd1 contract
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From notice 063067-2025 on Find a Tender, first published 7 October 2025, last updated 7 January 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.