Tilbury Douglas Construction hits Durham Constabulary station build landmark

Building bosses have hit a major milestone in a police station development.

Tilbury Douglas Construction has begun erecting the steel frame on a Durham Constabulary investigations base at DurhamGate, near Spennymoor.

Police chiefs say the two-storey hub – due for completion next year – will include nearly 50 cells, crime scene investigation space and virtual courts, and will “transform” the force’s ability to “catch criminals and keep communities safe”.

The steel frame for the building, known as the Durham Constabulary Investigative Hub, weighs 260 tonnes, and has been fabricated – and is being installed – by Newton Aycliffe’s SCH Site Services.

Mark Gardham, Tilbury Douglas’ North East regional director, said: “The construction of the steel frame is a significant milestone ahead of the delivery of the pre-cast concrete components.

“Our focus is to deliver a first-class facility befitting of one of the UK’s top performing police forces.

“And, as a North East contractor, our focus is also to maximise social value from the build, including the creation of new sustainable jobs, work placement and apprentice opportunities.”

Dean Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, the operator behind DurhamGate, which includes more than 300 homes, national training provider Learning Curve, Breedon Group and housing provider LIVIN, said he was delighted with the progress being made.

He added: “The addition of the hub further heightens the mixed-used community ethos behind the creation and design of DurhamGate.

“Durham Constabulary selecting DurhamGate for such an important new facility endorses what we are developing.”

Bulk excavation work has been carried out by Durham’s MGL, with foundation and drainage work delivered by Rainton.