Tilbury Douglas has successfully secured and started work on the design and construction of the new Durham Investigative Hub at DurhamGate, Spennymoor
The new 2-storey investigative hub will provide modern accommodation and office space, alongside 48 modern cells, interview rooms, and crime scene investigation facilities.
The suite will incorporate a safe and improved environment for staff, detainees, and visitors, as well as the health workers and legal professionals who will also work there.
The design approach has adopted the use of modern technologies, which will lead to better police outcomes for victims of crime and create operational efficiencies, which will release officers to the front line.
The Investigative hub will provide a flexible and sustainable building needed to replace the existing ageing custody estate.
‘Boost the economy for County Durham and Darlington’
Durham police and crime commissioner, Joy Allen, said: “This represents the largest investment ever undertaken by my office and the Constabulary.
“It will also support the sustainability agenda with employment of local people, suppliers and services which will boost the economy for County Durham and Darlington. We are pleased to be working in collaboration with local developer Arlington Real Estate and contractor Tilbury Douglas to deliver a building to ensure our estate is fit for the future.”
‘Improving working conditions for officers and staff’
Chief constable, Jo Farrell, commented: “We are pleased that work has started on the Durham Investigative Hub.
“The new building will improve our operational response to investigating crime, ensuring the safe detention of individuals, improving working conditions for officers and staff, and will also lead to efficiencies which will be reinvested back into frontline policing.”
‘Improving health, safety, quality, and sustainability outcomes’
Mark Gardham, regional director – North East at Tilbury Douglas, stated: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with both Durham Constabulary and the Durham PCC, this is a key investment and will be a fantastic new building to support their operational priorities.
“As a local contractor and Durham City of Culture 2025 supporter, our priority is always to maximise social value, including local supplier use, employment and apprenticeship creation. We are also using modern methods of construction to improve health, safety, quality and sustainability outcomes.”
The building procured via the Procure Partnership Framework is designed to comply with the Home Office’s Police Custody Design Guide and will be completed by Spring 2023.
