New £15.5m Grimsby custody suite given go-ahead by councillors

A new £15.5 million 36-cell custody suite will be built in Grimsby after the proposals were given the go-ahead by councillors.

The suite, which is scheduled to open in March 2019, will be based on Birchin Way, just off the A180, and will act as “one large high-tech secure environment” for Humberside Police.

The new facility will be based on Birchin Way in Grimsby. Photo: Willmott Dixon

Applicant Keith Hunter, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, said that the force requires the new facility to meet custody needs on the south bank of the Humber covering North and North East Lincolnshire.

Over 170 members of staff are expected to be based on site, working in shift patterns.

The facility will be used to house detainees in secure accommodation pending decisions on charging or release.

It is intended to be used for those who have been arrested and to provide facilities for private interview.

Staff and visitor car parking will be provided.

A high security zone will be constructed around the custody van dock area, with a 3.2 metre anti-climb fence, with more high fencing around the parking areas.

The facility will lie on the site of the former Bass brewery distribution centre, and will be bordered by Wickes and the McDonald’s and KFC fast food restaurants.

Scunthorpe and Grimsby Police Stations will continue to operate, with only their “outdated” custody suites relocating.

The plans were unanimously approved by members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Wednesday, October 11.

Willmott Dixon will construct the facility, having built similar custody suites in South Yorkshire, South Wales and the West Midlands.

Photo: Willmott Dixon

Humberside Police Chief Superintendent Christine Wilson said: “I am delighted that the custody suite planning permission has been granted.

“This offers us a real opportunity to have the very best facilities to process prisoners to meet the needs of the criminal justice system, bringing justice to victims. 

“We recognise that there will be consequences of the location of the suite such as additional traveling time from some parts of North Lincolnshire, and are working hard to understand what this means for the public and for our staff.

“We will work to mitigate any issues with additional staff and enhanced transport arrangements once the extent of the impacts are known.”

Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with our first CODE custody suite in Grimsby.

“This new generation of suites is tailored to the needs of modern police forces and we have worked closely with our partners to ensure they deliver in all areas.”