A new HQ building for Bedfordshire police

We were instructed to design, plan and build a new custody suite, office space and associated external works.  Using our local knowledge and excellent relationship with the local authority, we mediated on behalf of the client and resolved several issues to secure planning permission in a timely manner.

Through our initial appraisal of the site we identified several factors that needed further assessment.  These included heritage impacts which our heritage team was able to assess and subsequently, through the provision of a Heritage Impact Assessment, support the development proposal.

The highlight of the project was ensuring the local authority’s understanding of the bespoke nature of the host client’s project needs, namely the specific operational requirements of the police, particularly in respect to car parking and site management.  The development represents a state-of-the-art facility, allowing the police to have its investigation teams operating under one roof, which will translate into benefits around operational work and information sharing.