Oatway Design Ltd provided full Building Services Engineering design for the remodelling of Westlea Fire Station in Swindon. Upgrading the site from a training facility to a fully operational and training station, our work focused on delivering safe, healthy environments for firefighters, improving energy efficiency, and future-proofing the building’s systems for decades of service ahead.
Project Overview
As part of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s wider estate strategy, Westlea Fire Station was upgraded from a training-led facility to a fully operational and training station. Oatway Design Ltd were appointed as Building Services Design Engineering consultants to deliver a full mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems design, with a strong focus on operational safety, energy efficiency, and long-term adaptability.
The remodelling ensures the station supports modern firefighting operations, provides safe and healthy environments for personnel, and is prepared for evolving technology and service needs.
Project Challenges & M&E Engineering Solutions
Operational Transition – Upgrading from a primarily training site to an active station, while retaining training capabilities, required careful sequencing and integration of systems.
Health & Safety – Protecting firefighters from contaminants meant co-ordination with the service and specialist environmental research into the safe storage, drying, and decontamination of PPE and rescue equipment.
Energy Performance – Delivering efficient building systems aligned with public sector sustainability targets, without compromising operational resilience.
Future-Proofing – Designing services with capacity and flexibility for future upgrades, including renewable energy integration and potential fleet electrification.
Our Building Services Engineering Role
As lead Building Services Engineers, Oatway Design provided:
- Specialist Ventilation & Zoning – Systems to separate operational, decontamination, and living areas, reducing cross-contamination risk.
- Dedicated Drying Solutions – A controlled environment in the Tech Rescue Drying Room, combining mechanical ventilation, a wall-mounted dehumidifier, and electric heater batteries for rapid, efficient drying.
- High-Efficiency Plant – Modern air handling units achieving up to 89% heat recovery efficiency, LED lighting with smart controls, and low-temperature hot water heating.
- Resilient, Accessible Layouts – Plant and distribution routes designed for easy maintenance, reduced downtime, and straightforward future system upgrades.
Delivering Sustainable & Compliant M&E Solutions
The completed works provide Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service with:
- A safer, healthier operational environment for firefighters.
- Significant improvements in building energy performance and operational cost efficiency.
- Flexible, future-ready infrastructure to meet evolving emergency service needs.
Why This Matters
“This project shows how technical design can directly improve the safety, wellbeing, and efficiency of frontline teams. Westlea Fire Station is now equipped to deliver for its community today, and to adapt to the challenges of tomorrow.” – Oatway Design Ltd
