Work begins on new £30m police custody suite

Work has begun on a new £30.5m custody suite in Chesterfield.

Derbyshire Police's purpose-built facility, based in Dunston Road, will serve the north of the county – with work currently under way to prepare the grounds and foundations.

The force has said it will replace the current custody suite in Ripley which is used as a secure facility where arrested individuals are processed and detained until they are charged, bailed, or remanded by a court.

Andrew Price, assistant chief officer at Derbyshire Police, said the new facility would provide a "modern and fit for purpose working environment" for officers.

The new suite, being built by construction company Willmott Dixon, has been designed in line with national guidance and research to ensure it "meets the needs of every prisoner".

The force said there would be 36 cells, interview and consultation rooms as well as dedicated voluntary attendance and bail areas.

There will also be a virtual court to help with dialling into hearings, as well as a larger charge area and specially designed process rooms.

"This new custody suite represents a significant investment in our operational capabilities," said Mr Price.

"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."

The project is currently on course to be completed by June 2027, Willmott Dixon added.

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