Launch Of New Criminal Justice Centre

21 April 2011, 14:24 | Updated: 21 April 2011, 14:53

Work on the new Criminal Justice Centre (CJC) in Northampton was officially launched yesterday (Wednesday April 20th) with a ‘ground-breaking’ ceremony at the site in Pavilion Drive.

Chief Constable Adrian Lee and Chair of Northamptonshire Police Authority Deirdre Newham marked the occasion by putting the first spade in the ground at the site on Northampton Business Park, Brackmills.

They were joined by Sean Yeo, Contracts Director from construction firm Kier Marriott, which has been appointed to build the new Criminal Justice Centre. 

The centre will provide upgraded custody facilities for Northampton, Daventry and South Northamptonshire, as well as additional office space for other police and criminal justice functions. 

Chief Constable Adrian Lee, said: “I am delighted the construction of this high profile building is underway.  The new custody centre is urgently needed to replace and upgrade the existing cell facilities at Campbell Square and Weston Favell police stations, which are too small and outdated. 

“Investment in the new CJC will ensure a modern, purpose built custody facility that will serve the county in the medium and long-term future.”

Deirdre Newham, added: “The development of the CJC is an integral part of the Force’s Estates Strategy, which the Police Authority agreed with the Force in March last year. 

“Although a significant capital investment at a time when difficult financial decisions are being made, the Authority and the Force’s Chief Officers believe that a custody provision that includes the new CJC provides the best value for money for the future of the Force and policing in Northamptonshire.” 

The CJC will also provide over 2,000 square metres of purpose built office space. As well as accommodating police officers and staff involved in the criminal justice process, the new centre will provide opportunities to realign the Force’s estate, releasing leasehold properties and temporary modular buildings, to ensure policing services are located appropriately and effectively and best able to meet the policing needs of Northamptonshire.

Full construction work on the site is planned to start on 3 May.