New Barrow Police Station in 2015

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes has announced that the new police station in Barrow will be operational in 2015.

The announcement comes after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria has recently concluded a tender exercise in accordance with the EU Procurement Directives for the Design and Build of a Police Station in Barrow-in-Furness.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said “I am pleased to announce that Cumbria-based Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd is the winning bidder for the contract to build a new police station at Barrow.  People will benefit locally as well with Furness Enterprises being used to promote the local labour and supply chain. 

“The overall cost of the new police station will be £8.5 million and our intention is for the police station to be operational in April 2015.

“Work is currently underway to conclude the contract formalities. Subject to final detailed planning permission, construction is expected to start on land owned by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria at Andrews Way, Barrow-in-Furness in early autumn.

“The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has purchased land at Andrews Way from Cumbria County Council. Outline planning permission has been granted from Barrow Borough Council.

“The current police station is not fit for purpose and on completion of the new building it will be offered to the market for sale.”

This project forms part of the joint Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s and Constabulary’s estate strategy to improve its estate and provide sustainable, efficient and fit for purpose accommodation for its officers and staff. Some officers currently located in the Ulverston police station will also transfer to the new station.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said “The new facilities at Andrews Way will maintain our presence in Barrow.

“It is exciting to see details of our new area headquarters taking shape, which will provide fit for purpose custody facilities and officers and staff working in South Cumbria with the accommodation and facilities they deserve.

“The new facilities are on track to become operational in April 2015 and have been designed to fit the unique requirements of the South Territorial Policing Area and will ensure that we continue to provide a modern policing service now and in the future.”

“The new police station provides our local communities with a very visible presence and enables us to look to the future as to how we can best serve our communities.”

The building will evoke civic pride and inspire confidence in those who see and use it. The good design is much more than just façades and finishes. It is pleasant to look at but will also work well and stand the test of time. It is flexible, sustainable and fit for purpose. The long term benefits repay the initial investment.

Specifically the new station will be:-

§ Distinctive, modern and reflecting the values of the Constabulary and the traditions of Barrow in Furness, together with its past and present day industry.

§ Of high quality, flexible, efficient and providing a sustainable accommodation model for the foreseeable future.

§ Be class leading in its capital cost model – reflecting the need to deliver true value for money. Some of the capital funding has been generated through a careful reduction in the estate which has seen underutilised and in efficient buildings being disposed of.

§ Provide a fully compliant custody complex with 18 operational cells which meets the current and projected custody needs. Custody capacity will increase force wide. Strengthening custody business continuity and offering resilience to the southern and western area of the county.

§ Accommodate all of the current operational teams from within the existing station and some from the Ulverston site.

§ Provide a public counter facility.