Contractors appointed to build next generation Police HQ

Based in Cardiff, BAM has worked on dozens of high profile schemes in South Wales and was appointed after a competitive process managed by SEWSCAP (South East Wales Schools Capital Working Group framework). Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert has also purchased the parcel of land in Llantarnam, where the new HQ will be based, from the Welsh Government.

The news today follows a recent announcement by Mr Cuthbert that he is undertaking a comprehensive review of the entire Police estate in Gwent to ensure that all police buildings and properties are fit for the demands of modern policing and deliver a citizen focused service. The move to a new Police HQ forms part of the first phase of the review.

The current HQ site in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, has served Gwent Police well over the last 50 years. However, the building is now of an age where expensive repairs and maintenance work are urgent, essential and are no longer financially viable. The cost of designing, building and moving to a new site is significantly less than the expense of renovating the current HQ site, which has high potential re-sale value and provides a prime development opportunity.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and Gwent Police are now working with BAM to develop a design through to a planning submission scheduled for late 2017.

The design, engineering and project management consultancy, Atkins, is providing all of the design elements. Initial proposals include a 5000 m2 state of the art headquarters that would allow Gwent Police to introduce ‘agile working’ across the service and assist its move towards ‘Digital Policing’. The new building will also include new energy saving features designed to reduce running costs and the carbon footprint of Gwent Police and will be 50% cheaper to run than the current HQ.

The new HQ will be set within landscaped surroundings with multi-storey parking provided on an adjacent site. Subject to the approval of the plans, the project will start on site next summer.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, is responsible for the police estate in Gwent, which includes all of the police stations, land and assets.

Highlighting how a move to the new HQ will provide value for money for the taxpayers now, and in the long run, Mr Cuthbert said: ‘Building a new headquarters is the most effective, efficient and economical way to ensure Gwent Police is fit for purpose for the future and can continue to deliver a quality service for the people of Gwent. Once completed, the new HQ will serve our residents and Gwent Police officers and staff well for decades to come. The construction project will also have a positive impact on the community and the local economy in terms of both the supplies and materials required and the training and employment opportunities which will be generated.’

Gwent Police Chief Constable, Julian Williams, said: ‘The nature of Policing is changing and we must evolve our service accordingly. As a Force we are looking forward to having a new base for Operations, however our continuing focus will be on protecting and reassuring the communities we serve.’

Craig Allen, BAM’s Cardiff-based Construction Director with responsibility for South Wales, said: ‘Nationally BAM has delivered a strong suite of high profile law and order schemes, having created the new Humberside and Metropolitan Police HQs. We have a longstanding and high-quality supply chain across South Wales. Our facilities management business has experience of managing inside police environments. This informs our ability to deliver a high quality development for Gwent and adds to our strong and historic portfolio of schemes in South Wales.’

BAM has had a permanent office in South Wales over 50 years, employing around 70 people and supporting hundreds of sub-contractors each year. It has four schemes on site in the area worth over £60 million, with another £60 million of further work in hand.