14/08/09 - A new look for Hereford Custody Suite

 

Midlands based contractors Thomas Vale Construction recently completed the 2½ year, £8 million project for the rebuild and refurbishment of Hereford’s Custody Suite. The new building was officially opened by Her Majesty’s, Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Damley. The general public was given the chance to view the new state of the art build as the doors opened for a quick sneak preview before going in to full use.

The new building constructed by Thomas Vale Construction and designed by Architects Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd, contains a new spacious reception area which includes 3 new booking in desks to promote efficiency throughout busy periods. Advanced security precautions such as fire alarms, CCTV and audio monitoring run throughout the whole building to ensure maximum safety is established across the board. The Custody Suite boasts 16 cells in comparison with its former 8 as well as 3 sound proof interview rooms equipped with audio and video recording facilities. There is also a consultation room designed for the use of solicitors and doctors. Specialty zones have been installed for photographing and fingerprinting and the old Custody Suite has been refurbished and changed in to a ceased and found property store room.The prisoners are now brought to the new facility via a secure van dock, and pass through UV screening before entering to check if they have been sprayed with SmartWater-Style ultra-violet markers. The safety of both prisoners and staff has been a key factor in the design of the block which will make an enormous difference in the successful delivery of policing in Herefordshire as well as ensuring the optimum safety of both staff and occupant. Contract Manager, Danny Dawson from Thomas Vale Construction adds; “By working closely with WMC Building Manager, WMC Project Manager and the Station officer, we were able to provide challenging design solutions whilst using the full extents of the site and existing building in order to produce a state of the art police station suitable for the 21st century. This will ensure a high standard of city centre policing in Hereford for many years to come.”

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