Nottinghamshire Police Custody Suite

Secure accommodation projects require an understanding of the sensitivities surrounding them and the confidentiality required when delivering them. Willmott Dixon has significant experience in delivering projects of this type and were able to successfully meet this challenge.

In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic had the potential to cause significant disruption with the on-site works beginning just 10 days before the start of the first national lockdown. Control measures were swiftly put into place to protect the health of the workforce, including increased welfare facilities to aid the required social distancing.

Alongside the health concerns of the workforce, the pandemic and its associated lockdowns caused a strain on the material supply chain of the project. To counter this, materials and works packages were procured earlier than usual to ensure the project had a continuity of both labour and materials.

The new custody suite has 50 cells within four wings, each of which is made of precast concrete that was manufactured offsite. This modern method of construction ensured a high-quality finish whilst minimising the amount of labour on-site, which in turn created a safer working environment and pushed the project forward during the pandemic.

Due to the customisable nature of off-site manufacturing, Nottinghamshire Police had greater involvement with the design, allowing them to create a facility that is fit for purpose now and that will remain so for years to come.

The building has been designed with the smart use of space and technology in mind, meaning it can be efficiently managed, reducing the burden on staff and keeping running costs low. By locating all cells along one floor, in a radial layout, travel distances for staff are minimised when escorting detainees. In addition, the splitting of cells into wings allows sections of the building to be shut down when not in use.

The new suite receives a large amount of natural light, helping to improve the mental health of those working within the facility and in turn, aid more productive working. As well as the provision of natural light to all cells via sun-pipes, the vulnerable person cells feature photographic tiles depicting a river running through a forest, which can help calm any detainees that may have hidden disabilities.

The project also generated significant social value, with the creation of 60 apprenticeships and by working with local social enterprise Radiant Cleaners, an organisation focussed on employing people who face barriers to work, including survivors of modern slavery. Wilmott Dixon is part of an ethical working group, made up of Team SCAPE partners, with the goal of eradicating modern slavery in the construction industry.

The new custody suite provides an efficient, modern environment that will serve the county for decades to come.