The three-storey, 36-cell facility on Dunston Road, designed by Corstorphine & Wright, will feature photovoltaic panels alongside site-wide groundworks, drainage, car parking and external works.

Procured via the SCAPE Construction framework, work starts this month with completion due by June 2027.

The scheme strengthens Willmott Dixon’s position in blue light infrastructure delivery, following this year’s £55m Hertfordshire HQ revamp and an £18m Pendle Police Station win for Lancashire Constabulary.

Michelle Cotterill, project director at Willmott Dixon, said: “As a company with extensive experience in law-and-order projects, we understand the unique requirements of custody facilities and the importance of creating environments that support both operational efficiency and officer wellbeing.”

Willmott Dixon is building an extensive track record in emergency services work, from custody suites in Birmingham, Newcastle, Sheffield and Cardiff to HQ buildings in Liverpool, Dorset and Humberside, alongside fire and forensics centres.