BAM Construction has been selected to build a new police headquarters (HQ) building in Cwmbran, Wales.

The new Gwent Police HQ will be based in Llantarnam and work is scheduled to start on site next summer.

The project is the result of a comprehensive review of Gwent Police's estate by Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert, which is to ensure all police buildings and properties are fit for the demands of modern policing and deliver a citizen focused service.

The current site at Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran has served the police force for more than 50 years and has reached a stage where expensive repairs and maintenance work 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, which has a high potential re-sale value and provides a prime development opportunity.

Initial design proposals for the scheme by engineering consultancy Atkins involves developing a new 5,000m2 HQ, featuring energy saving features designed to reduce running costs and the carbon footprint of Gwent Police. Set within landscaped surroundings, multi-storey parking will be provided on an adjacent site.

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Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and Gwent Police are now working with BAM to develop a design and a planning application is scheduled to be submitted later this year.

PCC for Gwent, Jeff 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."

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."

Image: The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent ,Jeff Cuthbert, and the Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Julian Williams, outside Gwent Police's current HQ in Croesyceiliog.

(LM/MH)