Scope
Reference
FM3479
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
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Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £698,635 excluding VAT
- £838,362 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
5 January 2026
Earliest date the contract will be signed
9 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 January 2026 to 17 July 2026
- 6 months, 6 days
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45210000 - Building construction work
- 45216000 - Construction work for buildings relating to law and order or emergency services and for military buildings
- 45216121 - Fire station construction work
- 71320000 - Engineering design services
Contract locations
- UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Information about tenders
- 14 tenders received
- 14 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 13 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Supplier
Carmelcrest Limited
Carmelcrest Group Suite 18, Block H, Peek Business Centre, Woodside, Dunmow Road
Bishop's Stortford
CM23 5RG
United Kingdom
Email: admin@carmelcrest.co.uk
Region: UKH23 - Hertfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Imperial War Museums
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHRL-5691-LLXM
IWM London, Lambeth Road
London
SE1 6HZ
United Kingdom
Telephone: 0207 416 5000
Email: erowberry@iwm.org.uk
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
Organisation type: Public authority - central government