By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
A new £17m police custody suite for Nottingham is due to be complete in September.
The new 50-cell facility will replace the current cells at the Bridewell custody suite, which has served as the city’s main cell complex in Canal Street, next to the city’s magistrates court, since the mid-90s.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry (Con) said: “I am delighted that the new custody suite has been designed with the safety of police officers and staff in mind, such as ensuring there is a clear line of site down cell corridors and detainees are processed quickly.
“The design of the building means defendants can be processed quicker, saving both time and money for the force.
“The inclusion of sky lights and ventilation tubes in spaces where custody staff will work seeks to create a better environment for the 50-plus staff who will be on the site.
“Despite the challenges posed by the lockdowns, we have been able to complete the custody suite under budget and within the planned time scale.”
Concerns have been raised in the past over the cost of the scheme by residents and the leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke (Lab).
But Nottinghamshire Police say the old custody suite is old and decaying and it will cost more money in the long run to refurbish it.
Plans to sell off the old Bridewell custody suite to a student accommodation developer or a hotel chain have been rejected. The facility is instead due to be occupied by the court service in the future.
Police will move to the new custody suite as soon as it is completed in September, although an exact opening date has not yet been confirmed.
