Cambridgeshire South Police Station 

Overview

The new Cambridgeshire South Police Station is a state-of-the-art policing facility, designed to meet the evolving needs of Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the communities they serve.

Located adjacent to Milton Park and Ride in Cambridge, the project delivers a modern custody suite and operational police base, improving response capabilities, working conditions, and long-term service resilience.

The new two-storey facility includes a 24-cell custody suite, extensive office and welfare spaces, and a secure, well-integrated vehicular access and holding area. The project forms part of a wider investment by the seven-force collaboration (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire among them), consolidating operational sites and replacing outdated facilities to provide a centralised hub for policing in the south of the county.

Project Delivery & Challenges Overcome

Delivered via the SCAPE 5 Framework, the project was designed using a pre-designed CODE product model, providing a robust, proven layout tailored to local policing requirements.

Key challenges addressed include:

• High-security standards, requiring robust physical and digital security provisions, including blast-resistant materials and access control.
• Tight programme constraints, met through early design engagement, BIM Level 2 coordination, and a streamlined procurement process.
• Site topography and access issues, managed through efficient logistics planning and phased enabling works.
• Custody-specific design needs, including secure detainee movement routes, segregation of public and staff zones, and specialist M&E installations to comply with Home Office guidance.

The project team worked in close partnership with Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Pick Everard (project manager), and Corstorphine & Wright (architects) to ensure the design reflected both operational requirements and long-term flexibility.

Key Features & Operational Benefits

The facility will support day-to-day policing operations, custody processing, and administrative functions, helping to future-proof policing in Cambridgeshire for years to come.

Specialist Policing Facilities Include:

• 24-cell custody suite with secure holding, medical, and interview rooms.
• Secure vehicle access routes and controlled entry zones, ensuring safe movement of officers and detainees.
• Flexible office accommodation, enabling multi-agency use and cross-force collaboration.
• Staff welfare facilities, including breakout zones, quiet rooms, showers, and bike storage to support well-being and sustainability.
• Integrated security systems, compliant with national policing infrastructure standards.

Designed for durability, functionality, and staff comfort, the new HQ will significantly enhance the quality of workplace and operational effectiveness.

Sustainability & Environmental Performance

The Cambridgeshire South Police Station is designed to achieve BREEAM Very Good certification, with several forward-looking sustainability features:

• Exceeds Part L requirements for energy efficiency, reducing operational carbon footprint.
• Infrastructure in place for future photovoltaic (PV) installations, future-proofing the site for renewable energy integration.
• High-performance building fabric and low-carbon M&E systems, supporting long-term cost savings.
• Sustainable drainage strategy (SuDS) integrated into site design to manage surface water runoff.

The project supports the Constabulary’s ambition to operate responsibly and sustainably, reducing long-term energy and maintenance costs.

Community & Social Value

Beyond bricks and mortar, the project creates meaningful benefits for the local economy and workforce development:

• £20M+ of supply chain value already placed, with 80% of procurement complete at early stages.
• Local supply chain engagement, supporting jobs, apprenticeships, and training across Cambridgeshire.
• Collaboration with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and CLOCS, ensuring the site operates safely and respectfully within the community.

The facility’s location, adjacent to Milton Park & Ride, improves accessibility while minimising disruption to central Cambridge.

Client Feedback

"This is an important investment in policing infrastructure for Cambridgeshire. The new South Station will ensure our officers and staff have the right facilities to protect the public, investigate crime, and deliver visible policing in a way that is modern, safe, and sustainable."
— Jackie Golby, Strategic Director of Estates, Cambridgeshire Constabulary