Willmott Dixon has won a £24 million contract to build a new police custody suite in Blackpool.

The contractor will replace Lancashire Constabulary's current Bonny Street Police Station with a new modern facility.

Designed by McBains Cooper Consultancy, the development will provide a base for local policing and immediate response teams as well as a public enquiry desk, investigations hub and 42 custody cells. In addition, it will house a range of specialist teams serving the whole of the division.

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The scheme is being funded as part of the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC's) capital programme.

Willmott Dixon's Managing Director for the north, Anthony Dillon, said: "We'll be taking our learning from other police forces and applying this experience here. We'll also ensure the work benefits the local economy, with 20 per cent spend within a ten mile radius rising to 75 per cent spend within a 40 miles."

Chief Supt Stuart Noble, Divisional Commander for Lancashire Constabulary's West Division, said: "The new building will see a massive improvement to our working environment, providing vital support to officers and staff who deliver frontline services to keep the area safe.

"This is a milestone moment for policing in Blackpool – one which we feel will ultimately help us to provide a better quality of service to the public."

(LM)