middlemoor-police-headquarters-exeter-outside-windows

Project Overview

Devon & Cornwall Police commissioned the construction of a new state-of-the-art building at Middlemoor Police Headquarters in Exeter to provide modern facilities for their operational and administrative teams. As part of this development, MEC Facilities Ltd was appointed to deliver parts of the mechanical installation package at the operational Hubs, modern offices and meeting spaces, ensuring the new facility benefited from efficient, sustainable, and resilient building services.

The project required a robust mechanical infrastructure capable of supporting a 24/7 operational environment, where comfort, reliability, and energy performance were all critical.

 

Scope of Works

Our package included the installation, testing, and commissioning of the following systems:

  • Heating and Cooling – High-efficiency boilers and VRF systems to provide a flexible and energy-efficient solution for year-round comfort.
  • Ventilation – Air Handling Units (AHUs) designed to deliver fresh air to all occupied spaces in line with CIBSE standards.
  • Domestic Services – Hot and cold-water services, sanitaryware connections, and above-ground drainage.
  • Testing and Commissioning – Comprehensive commissioning programme

Challenges

Delivering mechanical installations for a high-security, operationally critical police headquarters came with several challenges:

  • Security Protocols – All works had to be carried out within strict access and security controls, requiring careful coordination with site management.
  • Programme Constraints – The project was on a fast-track construction programme, with multiple trades working simultaneously.
  • Sustainability Targets – The client required the building to meet high environmental performance standards, aligning with long-term carbon reduction goals.
  • Resilience – Systems had to be installed with built-in redundancy to ensure continuity of service for a 24/7 police operation.

Solutions

To address these challenges, we adopted a proactive and collaborative approach:

  • Early Coordination – Engaged with the design and construction teams from the outset to ensure full integration of mechanical systems with the architectural and electrical works.
  • Prefabrication – Where possible, key plant and pipework assemblies were prefabricated off-site, reducing time on site and minimising disruption.
  • Robust Commissioning – A rigorous testing and commissioning programme ensured system reliability and compliance with the client’s operational standards.

Outcome

The project was successfully delivered on time and to budget, providing Middlemoor Police Headquarters with a modern, energy-efficient, and reliable mechanical infrastructure.

Key outcomes included:

  • Improved Working Environment – Comfortable and well-ventilated spaces for staff and visitors.
  • Energy Efficiency – Low-carbon plant selections and advanced controls reduced overall energy consumption and running costs.
  • Operational Resilience – Built-in redundancy and high-specification equipment ensure reliability for critical police operations.
  • Future-Proofed Systems – Flexible solutions designed to adapt to evolving operational requirements and future sustainability targets.

Key Facts

Client: Devon & Cornwall Police
Main Contractor: Willmott Dixon
MEP Contractor: MEC Facilities Limited in Partnership with T Clarke
Programme Duration: 12 Months
Location: Middlemoor Police HQ, Exeter