The award-winning, new divisional headquarters building for Lancashire Constabulary opened its front counter to the public at the end of July, having been officially opened on June 26, 2019.
The three-storey facility – which sits on a 10,000 square metre site on the outskirts of Blackpool, near the M55 motorway, and designed by leading property and construction consultancy McBains – serves as the new headquarters for the police force’s West Division, and houses one of the largest custody suites in the UK.
The new facility replaces the West Division’s existing base on Bonny Street, and, courtesy of its design, will provide staff with a more efficient work environment. This has been achieved through subtle design solutions, which reduce floor space and that provide flexibility for the constabulary’s ever-changing operational requirements.
The site’s 42-cell suite exemplifies this. It is housed in a semi-circular precast concrete building and is served with an abundance of natural light. By positioning the main custody desk centrally, with the cell corridors radiating out, the suite also serves to guarantee custody officers a line of sight to each cell corridor. The custody suite, with the natural light and view of each corridor is not only designed to help officers but also improve the well-being of those being held in custody.
McBains provided architecture, mechanical, electrical, and civil and structural engineering support to the building’s main contractor, Willmott Dixon.
Mark Baseby, Director at McBains who oversaw the project, said:
“The external appearance of the building takes its cues from Blackpool and the vibrant seaside environment with the use of colour and form derived from the sea and sand. The internal central atrium space is known as the Promenade.
"The essence of the scheme is the interface of three contrasting building types and fusing them together in an efficient and flexible way. This provides an improved environment for staff and detainees, while delivering important efficiencies for the force."
The new divisional headquarters, known as West New Build, scooped the Best Public Service Building accolade at the LABC North West Building Excellence Awards 2019.
You might be interested in...
McBains Appointed to Newly Introduced PFI Lots on CCS Estate Management Services 2 Framework
McBains is pleased to announce its appointment to Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Estate Management Services 2 framework (RM6343) for Lot 8a (PFI Technical and Strategic Advice Services) and Lot 8b (PFI Surveying Services).
McBains makes series of promotions to support growth of business
We're delighted to announce four well-deserved promotions in recognition of each individual's value to the business and in support of the company’s strategic plans.
McBains Appointed to Lead Swindon Whole-House Retrofit Programme
Swindon Borough Council has appointed McBains as managing consultant to deliver a comprehensive whole-house retrofit programme across 104 homes in the Stratton and Highworth areas of Swindon.
CONSTRUCTION NEWS: Did the Budget deliver the reassurance that construction is craving?
McBains Managing Director, Clive Docwra, offers his perspective on the Budget and its implications for the construction industry in the months ahead, as featured in Construction News.
Inside Chichester College’s New STEM & Higher Education Centre
Construction of a new purpose-built STEM and Higher Education Centre at Chichester College reached completion recently, with the new building being officially opened by Further Education Commissioner Shelagh Legrave CBE in October.
ESTATES GAZETTE: Simplifying BNG for sheds
In an article for Estates Gazette, Matthew Baldwin, Project Director at McBains, explores how brownfield sites are grappling with BNG requirements and how proposed reforms in the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill could make compliance simpler and more strategic.