The construction of new police custody facilities has begun, following the successful signing of the contract between Avon and Somerset Police and Blue Light Partnership.
After three years, Avon and Somerset Police has crossed the final hurdle in its ambitious accommodation programme which has been scrutinised and endorsed by HM Treasury and the Home Office on a number of occasions.
This will provide them with more cells, better welfare for people who are detained and improved facilities for victims and witnesses. It replaces custody cells which are old, some even Victorian, and difficult to maintain.
The project includes:
A Somerset operations base at Express Park, Bridgwater, incorporating a custody and crime investigation centre, police station, specialist operations and local policing teams
A custody and crime investigation centre and police station at 90 Gloucester Road, Patchway
A custody and crime investigation centre at Ashmead Road, Keynsham; and
A tri-force firearms training centre at Black Rock Quarry, Portishead - serving Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Police.
Work has begun at Black Rock Quarry and Express Park and building will start at Gloucester Road and Ashmead Road early in 2013. The new buildings will open from early 2014.
Throughout the construction period there will be a focus on using local sub-contractors and services. Blue Light Partnership has committed to ensuring 70% of sub contracts for construction are placed within a 35 mile radius of the sites or within the force area and 50% of orders for services are placed within a 35 mile radius of the sites or within the force area.
In addition apprenticeships, links with local schools and opportunities for sixteen ex-offenders to be involved in the construction related activities, form part of the commitments from Blue Light Partnership.
For more information go to the A&S Police website
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