Procured through the Scape National Construction framework, the new facility will include a 22-cell custody block, offices for police and staff.

Located at the force’s Kempston headquarters, the custody suite will replace a temporary variant and is the first major building commissioned at the site since 2005.

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holoway, said: “Since the old Greyfriars station in Bedford closed down because its custody suite was not fit for purpose, its replacement has been being planned.

“This has been a priority for me and I’m absolutely delighted to get this build underway on my watch.”

Chris Tredget, managing director of Willmott Dixon in London and the East, said: “Having built similar facilities in the region, we are collaborating closely Bedfordshire Police to ensure that the facility will meet all of their requirements and needs, providing a state-of-the-art building and better environment for all.”

Willmott Dixon’s experience of building facilities for the emergency services includes recently handing over a custody centre and operational hub in Exeter for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and a combined campus for Lincolnshire Fire, Police and Ambulance services. 

Projects currently being built include the delivery of a £20m control centre in Hull for Humberside Police and the £37m new headquarters for Merseyside Police in Liverpool.