Multi-million pound ambulance hub proposed for Exeter Skypark

Plans have been submitted for a "multi-million pound" ambulance hub at Exeter's Skypark, from which crews will be able to swiftly respond to both local and national emergencies.

Developer St Modwen along with Devon Country Council has submitted a planning application for what will become the first commercially occupied building at Exeter's £210 million Skypark business zone.

The 24,165 sq ft purpose-built facility will be built on behalf of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, which will acquire the freehold when complete.

The facility will serve as a base for a team of 42 specially recruited, trained and equipped ambulance paramedics, along with a further eight ambulance staff.

A spokesman for the trust said the investment costs were anticipated to be "significant."

With the facility close by the new Cranbrook village east of Exeter, as well as respond to everyday emergencies, the centre will become a designated HART– hazardous area response team – base, positioned and equipped to be deployed in response to regional and national emergencies.

The facility will tap into the £3 million E.ON Energy Centre's district heating network which is located at Skypark and will service both the business park and homes at nearby Cranbrook.

Ian Guy, senior development manager for St Modwen in the South West, said: "We have worked closely with the trust to ensure that our plans will enable the delivery of an effective and essential rapid response service for the South West."