Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver a new £30.5m custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary in Chesterfield, further strengthening its portfolio of blue light infrastructure projects.

The new 36-cell custody suite will be built on Dunston Road in Chesterfield and will provide modern, efficient facilities to support Derbyshire Constabulary's operations. The project includes associated support accommodation, site-wide ground improvements, drainage, external works and car parking across a 4,732 square metre facility.

Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, work is scheduled to begin in September 2025 with completion by June 2027. The three-storey facility has been designed by Corstorphine & Wright Ltd and will incorporate photovoltaic panels as part of its sustainability features.

This latest contract builds on Willmott Dixon's growing track record in emergency services infrastructure. Recent wins include the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary's headquarters in Welwyn Garden City and the £18m Pendle Police Station for Lancashire Constabulary in Nelson, both secured earlier this year.

Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Price at Derbyshire Constabulary said:

"This new custody suite represents a significant investment in our operational capabilities. The modern facility will provide our officers with the modern and fit for purpose working environment they need to serve the communities of Derbyshire effectively."

Michelle Cotterill, project director at Willmott Dixon, added:

"We are proud to be working with Derbyshire Constabulary to deliver this critical infrastructure. As a company with extensive experience in law-and-order projects, we understand the unique requirements of custody facilities and the importance of creating environments that support both operational efficiency and officer wellbeing."

The project adds to Willmott Dixon's extensive portfolio of blue light work across England and Wales, which includes major custody suite projects for West Midlands Police, Newcastle Police, South Yorkshire Police and South Wales Police. The company has also delivered significant projects including Rose Hill Police Headquarters in Liverpool for Merseyside Police, bringing over 1,100 officers and staff under one roof, and custodial expansions at facilities including HMP Nottingham, HMP Swaleside and HMP Lindholme, creating over 2,000 additional custodial places.

Other recent emergency services projects include a new forensics centre for Thames Valley Police, a new fire station and training centre for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, as well as new headquarters buildings for Dorset and Humberside Police Forces.

Working in secure and sensitive environments, Willmott Dixon's specialist teams maintain full security vetting and strict confidentiality protocols while delivering facilities that enhance operational efficiency and reduce long-term running costs.