PME for Live Fire Training Facility

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (the Service), welcomes engagement from the market in support of informing the Service's procurement and delivery strategy for the construction of a new Live Fire Training Facility. Our existing structure is approaching the end of its operational life and will require decommissioning and removal prior to the construction of a replacement facility.

The replacement facility is intended to provide a long-term, resilient live fire training capability that supports operational firefighter training requirements while reflecting modern expectations relating to safety, durability, environmental performance and whole-life value. The facility will be required to support realistic compartment fire behaviour training within a controlled environment and should balance operational functionality with maintainability and long-term asset performance.

The Service anticipates that the new facility is likely to comprise a reinforced concrete structure incorporating refractory tile protection to areas exposed to repeated thermal loading. The design is expected to include temperature monitoring systems for both burn environments and the primary structural frame.

A smoke emission treatment system will also form a significant element of the project. The facility is likely to be located at our Training Academy, situated within the perimeter of Exeter International Airport, located on land with a historical military use, therefore considerations relating to ground conditions, contamination and the potential presence of unexploded ordnance is anticipated.

The project is currently at RIBA stage 0. The anticipated project value is currently estimated to be between £5million and £10million, although further development work is required to establish the final scope and budget.

The new facility needs to be completed, commissioned, and operational by April 2030. A preferred procurement route, contract strategy, contractor engagement model, pre-construction approach or form of contract have not been decided upon. The Service is deliberately retaining an open position on these matters and is seeking informed market feedback to help determine the most appropriate delivery strategy.