Tilbury Douglas completes handover of state-of-the-art Durham Investigative Hub for Durham Constabulary

The new two-storey Hub, covering over 6,600m², includes 48 custody cells, office space, interview rooms, and Crime Scene Investigation facilities. It also houses evidence stores, virtual courts, CCTV, medical facilities, and forensic examination rooms. This modern facility will replace ageing custody suites and centralise the force’s operations, improving evidence gathering, prisoner safety, and the overall working environment for officers and staff.

Designed with a focus on social impact, the project is the first in the UK to implement the Blue Light Commercial Social Value Toolkit, achieving a remarkable social value return of over £25 million. The project has already earned recognition, winning the Constructing Excellence Award for Delivering Value and being shortlisted for the Procure Partnerships Framework National Project Excellence Awards in the Social Value category.

Key social value outcomes include the creation of 26 jobs through Durham Enable, 45 hours of career mentoring for unemployed individuals via Changing Lives, and the delivery of 778 apprenticeship weeks. The team also supported local community efforts through volunteering with DASH, a charity aiding those at risk of homelessness.

The completion of this pioneering project reinforces Tilbury Douglas’ commitment to delivering exceptional social value and transforming local communities.

“Completing the Durham Investigative Hub is a significant milestone for Tilbury Douglas, further enhancing our extensive experience in the blue light sector,” said Paul Ellenor, Regional Director North East at Tilbury Douglas. “This facility is designed to meet the evolving needs of Durham Constabulary, ensuring they have the modern infrastructure required to serve the community effectively.”

Phil Shaw, Managing Director – Building North at Tilbury Douglas, commented: ‘’The successful delivery of the Durham Investigative Hub is a testament to Tilbury Douglas’ strategic focus on partnering with public sector clients to deliver critical infrastructure that serves communities for the long term. This project exemplifies our ability to provide innovative, high-quality solutions in the blue light sector, while also driving substantial social value – a core priority in our construction delivery.’’

Commissioner Allen said: “This is a proud moment for everyone who has contributed to this ambitious project. It marks the start of an exciting period in our history and is warmly welcomed by the workforce. These advanced facilities will have a far-reaching impact on our ability to effectively investigate crime and secure justice for victims of crime. They will also greatly improve the safety of detainees and over the longer term deliver operational efficiencies to be reinvested in frontline policing.

“Our police officers and staff work relentlessly to keep the communities of County Durham and Darlington safe. It is important to me that they work in an environment that is fit for purpose and conducive to their wellbeing and needs, while also equipped with the technology and tools they need to do a good job.”