Tenders have opened to build the new SES volunteer base, for which the forward design process began in 2014.

Earlier this year the ACT government announced $2.7 million in funding for a new purpose-built State Emergency Service station in Tuggeranong.

The last purpose-built SES base was in the Woden Valley in the early 1970s.

An ACT Emergency Services Agency spokeswoman said there was a "pressing need" for a permanent, fit for purpose ACTSES facility in Tuggeranong.

Currently, the 35 volunteers at Tuggeranong ACTSES work out of the workshop section of the Kambah ACT Fire and Rescue station.

"This new station for Tuggeranong Unit is a much needed modern, fit for purpose building for our hard-working SES operations staff and volunteers in the Tuggeranong Valley," the spokesman said.

"The current base is not bespoke to the services operational and training needs. It also helps to attract and retain volunteers who provide an important community service to the Tuggeranong Valley."

The base will be a whopping 552 square metres when complete and sit next to the Calwell ambulance station off Johnson Drive.

It will include secure vehicle and equipment storage bays, locker rooms for men and women, an administration office, an operations and training room, kitchen facilities and onsite parking for the volunteers.

The vehicle bays will include room for two utes, two flood rescue boats, three trailers and a van.

SES units are stationed at Tuggeranong, Woden, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Pialligo and Majura. The spokesman said current stations across the territory are of varying ages, different styles and types of buildings.

Tenders close December 15 and construction will begin next year.