Creating spaces that boost operational efficiency, foster collaboration and deliver value for money
Bluelight
"The best thing that happened to the scheme was having Corstorphine & Wright become involved. The new custody suite will be operationally efficient and safe for staff and detainees alike. We’ve never worked with an architect like them before – one that truly understands the requirements and constraints involved with frontline policing and helps us improve business processes."
Neil Willmott of Devon and Cornwall Police
Creating spaces that boost operational efficiency, foster collaboration and deliver value for money
Bluelight
Our team – which includes the UK's leading bluelight designers – has a proven track record creating spaces that deliver value for police, fire and rescue, and ambulance services. Not only do our designs streamline processes and reduce running costs, but they also create transformational workplaces that support and inspire building users.
PLUMMER HOUSE MADE ME FEEL SO WELCOME AND ‘PART OF THE FAMILY’ STRAIGHT AWAY
Get in touch to learn more about our experience and discuss your project:
T: 01926 658 444
E: bluelight@cw-architects.co.uk
About Us
That’s what differentiates Corstorphine & Wright. Our dedicated bluelight team has the UK’s leading specialists in designing buildings for police, fire and rescue, and ambulance services.
Their experience includes schemes incorporating everything from headquarters, offices and firearms facilities to custody suites, drill stations and command and control centres. We undertook the first NPEG review. And our experts are even assisting the Ministry of Justice and Home Office in developing bluelight design guidance, and are working in partnership with Wilmott Dixon on the CODE project to help clients streamline the design process.
We’re a partner who understands the entire process – from briefing, audits and departmental assessments through to business case development, procurement and delivery. We understand the broad range of drivers affecting bluelight buildings, from net zero to ISO accreditations. And we also have relationships with Ministry of Justice enablers and reviewers, and can offer them as part of our service. As a result, you benefit from a holistic approach – and a proven track record designing transformational spaces that are commercially viable.
When it comes to bluelight buildings, flexibility, value for money and in-use costs are paramount. And these require detailed knowledge of operational processes and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
2023
Why Corstorphine & Wright
With Corstorphine & Wright, you get spaces that deliver value to each service and to the wider community. Our 280+ strong team – which includes the UK’s leading bluelight building designers – uses a straightforward methodology and is known for providing a design-driven service with a commercial edge.
Market Insight
Client Centricity
Clients tell us we’re unique in our knowledge of bluelight operations – and that this expertise is obvious in the way we engage with stakeholders, ensure compliance and support internal project teams. We consider the inside of the building before the outside – our design process balances the many factors involved in creating a successful space for police, fire and rescue, ambulance and any other uses.
Your primary contact is a director, who spearheads ongoing coordination with everyone from Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners to rank-and-file staff, contractors and local authorities. Throughout the project, we take a critical, informed approach so we can proactively address operational needs, meet sustainability targets and design schemes that provide value for money.
We’re at the forefront of bluelight building architecture, including working with Custody Evolution Boards, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice to optimise processes and translate that into design. We also look beyond architecture to identify opportunities that help projects succeed. This includes conducting feasibility studies, formulating property strategies, developing business cases and conducting compliance reviews. You therefore benefit from market knowledge and the latest operationally focused design techniques – which enable you to maximise the building’s effectiveness and value over the long term.
Results Focus
With Corstorphine & Wright, you get the expertise and resource you need at every stage. This starts with engaging stakeholders, developing the business case and obtaining planning consent. And it extends to benchmarking costs, supporting your procurement processes and facilitating the use of innovative construction methods.
Throughout projects, we focus on delivery – whether it’s fostering tri-service collaboration or helping optimise efficiency on site. As a result, we have a reputation both for designing and, crucially, for getting buildings built.
Intelligent Design
Our design approach is rooted in our understanding of the way places influence behaviour. We create flexible spaces that boost morale and promote wellbeing – and that make it easier for people to do their important jobs.
For example, we look at ways design can streamline processes, contribute to net zero ambitions, reduce running costs and improve welfare for building users. And we achieve this while complying with relevant requirements in the Home Office Police Buildings Design Guide and PACE. In fact, Corstorphine & Wright’s bluelight team members have worked on Home Office Better Police Buildings and are working with the Ministry of Justice to rewrite design guidance. We’re also working with Wilmott Dixon to develop CODE, a range of custody suite concepts for all operational processes and budgets that make the design process easier and more cost-effective while simplifying compliance.
Not only do our designs streamline processes and reduce running costs, but they also create transformational spaces that support and inspire building users.
a spotlight on
Transformational Workplaces
We’re known for our indepth understanding of police, fire and rescue, and ambulance operations – and for our ability to use building design to enhance them.
Everything we do focuses on helping staff boost productivity, simplify compliance and foster collaboration. Importantly, we challenge the conventions around bluelight buildings, creating inspiring spaces that people want to work in. You therefore get buildings that attract people to bluelight careers, enhance their wellbeing and make it easier to perform their important jobs.
When we began work on this project, we were tasked with the redesign of the original consented scheme. We re-planned it within the existing envelope, creating a design that delivers compliance while helping reduce processing times and improve the working environment.
The scheme can support 450 police staff and includes offices as well as a custody suite for up to 40 detainees. We collaborated with the Senior Officers, Police and Crime Commissioner and frontline staff to look at how the building could support new ways of working, thereby reinforcing Devon and Cornwall Police’s position as a modern force.
The resulting scheme has an inspiring, open-plan office space that gives staff outside views. There are breakout spaces and private telephone booths, as well as a focus on natural light and optimal acoustics. For the internal graphics and branding, we did an internal photography competition, which had high levels of engagement and has fostered pride in the building.
Middlemoor Police Headquarters
In contrast to the previous 1950s custody suite, where detention officers worked in basements, our design is an appealing place to work. It’s carefully formulated to improve processing times, comply with affray route requirements and optimise space.
Crucially, we improved the scheme within the existing budget, so Devon and Cornwall Police achieved more value for the same price. The project also completed early, enabling the site to open in April 2020 ahead of schedule. Middlemoor then hosted the UK’s newest virtual court, so trials and hearings could continue during pandemic lockdowns. And the custody centre design, with cells spread over 3 wings, made it easy to enforce isolation if any detainees showed Covid-19 symptoms.
"This is a significant investment in the police estate and will help residents feel safer and better connected to the police. Staff welfare is paramount, and the station’s spacious, modern and state-of-the art facilities will help boost morale...
...We have created a truly stateof-the-art facility that will provide a pleasant and practical working environment for our officers and see us well into the future."
Alison Hernandez, Policeand Crime
Commissioner, Devonand
Cornwall Police
The new building has won awards for construction and sustainability, and is within the top 10% of the most sustainable buildings in the UK.
Nottinghamshire Police Custody Suite
The scheme was subject to the UK’s first NPEG Review. Nottinghamshire Police were overhauling a 50-cell custody suite to streamline operations and simplify compliance processes, and we helped them achieve their goals under budget while maximising building longevity. Our innovative design incorporated elements rarely seen before in custody. We spearheaded in-depth consultations with a local university and leading autism specialists to understand how the suite could better care for autistic detainees. These consultations led to the introduction of elements such as colour-change lighting, landscape murals and clocks in cells for vulnerable individuals.
The design also includes high levels of flexibility so the building delivers maximum long-term value. A key element related to the distinct custody areas. One is for the general population, with separate male and female sections. The other is specifically for juvenile and vulnerable persons. Each has its own support and ancillary spaces. This means that juvenile and vulnerable persons can be completely separated at all times, including when being charged, having interviews, receiving medical support and meeting visitors. An area of the building can also be separated out for training purposes, providing multiple uses of space.
Affray routes are designed to reduce the building footprint, which helps manage costs while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. The routes divide cells into additional sections, meaning they can be used for vulnerable persons in future if the force’s requirements change. And space between cell corridors has been designed into dedicated courtyard space for staff, helping promote wellbeing. We introduced other changes that make a major difference to staff, including increased natural daylight throughout the custody area and staff-only affray routes. We also transformed an external maintenance space into a break-out area, complete with artificial grass.
As a result, posts like custody that had been seen as punishment assignments are becoming positions of choice.
a spotlight on
Flexibility & Collaboration
Time and time again, stakeholders say things like: “You tell us things no one has ever told us before. You truly understand what operational officers need in a building.”
Our approach involves extensive engagement, and by collaborating with senior teams, planners and end users, we design buildings that deliver value for the long term. Our projects regularly achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and we always strive to make the building as passive as possible to ensure future flexibility.
Darlington Fire Station
Darlington Fire Station was a complete rebuild as part of a wider plan to redevelop Darlington town centre. The project began with an existing fire station, but the initial feasibility check revealed serious drawbacks to remodelling the 1970s building. We consulted with a range of stakeholders to discuss the options, including looking at alternative sites to avoid demolishing the original station. However, none were as central or as well-connected to the rest of Darlington, so we decided to design a new building on the existing site.
Working with local engineers in Darlington, we saw the project from design to delivery, collaborating with a range of stakeholders throughout. These included consultations with the environmental agency due to flood risk and other site factors.
We also worked closely with fire fighters to design a building that truly met their needs. Drawing on their input and our extensive bluelight experience, we created spaces that are not just unique, modern and stylish, but are also functional and instrumental in fostering wellbeing. Amenities include changing rooms, showers, kitchens, dining spaces and a laundry area to help with fire fighters’ day-to-day comings and goings. The design also features mental health-focused areas, such as dedicated quiet rooms and a breakout space, which has a light and airy feel with large windows overlooking the river.
Importantly, we didn’t have to relocate fire fighters during construction. The North East Ambulance Service building had ancillary accommodation, which fire fighters were able to use. And we worked with the contractor to section off part of the site so work could continue as close to normal as possible, which was appreciated by the services. It was also encouraging for them to see their new workspace going up in real-time.
The entire building was completed in under a year.
"The new station is fully equipped with all the operational equipment, accommodation and welfare facilities deserving of a modern, efficient and innovative service. Particular attention has been paid to futureproofing the station, using latest building methods and technologies to achieve a long, durable and resilient life whilst reducing utilities consumption and running costs. Staff welfare and training has been a major consideration, and the facilities provided are at the forefront of the service."
John
HancockEstates Manager at County Durham & Darlington Fire a nd Rescue Service
"The vision for this new community fire station in the heart of Darlington is one of flexibility and collaboration, so the service and its partner organisations can provide first-class facilities and services to support local people."
Councillor John Robinson, Chair of County Durham and Darlington's combined fire authority
Bury Ambulance Operations Hub
This is a development project with Assura for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) to provide a new building to accommodate its Make Ready Hub facility for the Bury St Edmunds area.
Make Ready is a staff friendly, vehicle preparation and cleaning programme that aims to maximise availability of resources for patients, while minimising risks to cleanliness, and critical equipment and vehicle failures. This Hub is the critical enabling infrastructure that will support EEAST’s ability to meet patient needs today and in the future. Make Ready Hubs have staff well-being and sustainability with future proofing ingrained within their purpose.
From the original scheme, we first looked at the proposed size of the building which was a 3 storey structure. We have reduced this to 2 storeys therefore reducing
the volume of the building which will have a big impact on carbon in use i.e. the volume that is heated/cooled and also the carbon in construction through enhanced envelope.
We have achieved this mass reduction by decreasing the area of the “workshop” that doesn’t require height and running the office accommodation over the top as a single floor with the expansion space all on the same level.
For planning, this will help by reducing the height of the building and visually helps to tie the two elements of the building together.
The ground conditions on the site are poor and reducing the building to 2 storeys massively reduces the need for carbon intensive foundations and site works (by 30%) as well as also reducing construction costs.
We changed the orientation of the roof over the main two storey element to enable photo voltaic cells to be installed, further supporting net zero carbon aspirations.
Governmental Security & Classified Facilities
Over our decades of bluelight experience, we’ve supported government agencies with a range of security and classified facilities. Collaboration has been key to these projects – not only in terms of stakeholder engagement during design, planning and construction, but also in terms of enabling the client’s operational goals.
Our design approach has focused on enabling cooperation within the confines of a secure envelope. We start by understanding the operational requirements of different user groups, together
with security and access constraints. From offices and meeting rooms to laboratories and investigation space, we then develop a design that encourages the right level of interaction. In some projects, this has involved incorporating breakout spaces between departments, encouraging people to interact beyond their own enclaves. In other projects, it’s involved balancing open-plan desk areas with private booths. And it also involves incorporating spaces that support wellbeing.
As a result, departments and units that had once been siloed have the facilities needed to improve communication. This then helps promote the cultural change being promoted at a higher level, enabling more effective knowledge sharing that delivers better outcomes.
a spotlight on
Value for Money
Whether it’s working within site constraints, reviewing funding mechanisms, benchmarking costs or advising on procurement, we focus on achieving the ideal balance of design excellence and value.
With the public sector under pressure to deliver more for less, we help schemes achieve goals within budget – and operate cost-effectively over the long term.
Bamfurlong Operations Centre, Gloucester
The Bamfurlong Operations Centre is home to a range of teams, including response, firearms, collision investigation, equine and dog units. Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner were investigating options for modernising the centre, but were struggling to develop plans that met operational needs within budget. They brought us in to redesign an existing scheme.
We were given an exceptionally short programme (only 4 weeks) to hold one stakeholder engagement session and then totally redesign the facility. Our brief was to drive £4 million of savings on a project sitting at £22 million – while adding the missing requirements and meeting operational needs. We also had to ensure continuity of service throughout the build and into the new centre’s operational phase.
We achieved all these goals, providing a fully costed scheme within the timeframe. Chief Constable Rod Hansen stated that our understanding of this client and building was phenomenal – and that we’d achieved more in 4 weeks than the previous team had in 8 months.
After the Covid-19 pandemic further impacted the project’s funding stream, we were asked to revise the scheme to deliver the same operational functionality – but for just £12 million instead of £18 million. We conducted an in-depth analysis of existing buildings and explored modular
solutions for ancillary buildings. We carried out workshops with end users to ensure we met departments’ requirements. And we developed a new operational strategy for the construction phase, preserving access to certain existing buildings, providing covert vehicle storage and maintaining key comms links. Through innovative thinking, commercial acumen and a fast-paced design programme, we achieved the additional £6 million of savings. Thanks to our expertise, the project is moving forward in a viable, cost-effective and deliverable way that will enable better policing operations.
"Corstorphine & Wright’s understanding of this client and building was phenomenal. They achieved more in 4 weeks than the previous team had in 8 months.”
"This redevelopment will not only improve the service the Constabulary is able to provide to the public and enhance the wellbeing of officers and staff, but will also meet our commitment to ‘A green and pleasant county’ by using a brownfield site and reducing environmental impact. In short, Bamfurlong will be an enhanced asset for the Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for generations to come."
Martin Surl, former Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner
Chief Constable Rod Hansen, Gloucestershire Police
Sabrina Centre, Gloucester
The Sabrina Centre is Gloucestershire Constabulary's new police training centre. The aim was to create an inspiring space for student constables, while also providing flexible facilities for offices and meetings.
We designed the centre on the site of a decommissioned nuclear power station. The site was vacant and the existing building was structurally sound, so we adapted it to deliver cost savings and environmental benefits rather than building new.
The state-of-the-art facility features conference and meeting facilities, lecture theatres, a gym, a parade ground and facilities for Tazer and virtual reality training. Our design makes the most of the views across the River Severn, providing relaxing spaces that support officers’ mental health.
The Sabrina Centre opened in 2020 and is now a centre of excellence for training – not just for Gloucestershire Constabulary, but for the wider community and other forces. It’s created an ideal setting for students to learn skills and build friendships that position them for a rewarding career policing Gloucestershire.
In 2021, the Sabrina Centre was awarded silver in the regeneration category of the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards, known as the public service ‘Oscars’.
"The Sabrina Centre is just amazing. Everything is so big and full of light. I really can't wait to get out on the street and put all the skills we’re learning into practice."
Marina Orts, Student Constable, Gloucestershire Constabulary
"I've been wanting to be a police officer my whole life, and the first time I laid eyes on the training centre, I knew I'd made the right decision."
Ivor Bace, Student Constable, Gloucestershire Constabulary
"The project team were tasked with turning a former nuclear laboratory into a state-of-theart, learning, development and conference facility – and were given a tight construction timeline and budget. This facility was primarily to be used by the Constabulary to meet the specific requirements of the new police training programme, then additionally for other community groups, other police forces (regionally or nationally) and the third sector. The facility has delivered this ambition and exceeded it.”
Vicki Heselton, Head of Estates and Support Services at Gloucestershire Constabulary
Further Project Information
Middlemoor Police Headquarters for: Devon and Cornwall Police services: Police / value: £25.5m
Noteworthy Elements:
› Will be a base for up to 450 police officers
› 40-cell custody suite and offices
› Was delivered on budget and ahead of schedule
› Was home to the UK’s first virtual court during Covid-19
Scarborough Ambulance Hub for: North Yorkshire Ambulance Trust services: Ambulance / value: £9m
Noteworthy Elements:
› Centralised ambulance base for the storage and maintenance of a large fleet of ambulances and dispatch vehicles
› Staff wellbeing and welfare facilities
› BREEAM target of very good
› Currently working towards net zero carbon
Hull Ambulance Hub for: North Yorkshire Ambulance Trust services: Ambulance / value: £8.5m
Noteworthy Elements:
› A storage, maintenance centralised hub for a large fleet of ambulances and dispatch vehicles
› Targeting BREEAM very good and net zero carbon
› Provision for vehicle maintenance, staff wellbeing and welfare facilities are also included
Police Federation Headquarters, Leatherhead for: The Police Federation services: Police
Noteworthy Elements: Includes offices, conference and training space, residential and a fitness suite
We provided interior design services including fit-out, space planning and furniture selection
Sabrina Centre for: Gloucestershire Constabulary services: Police & OPCC / value: £4m
Noteworthy Elements:
› A comprehensive new training facility
› Including full conference facilities
This brochure gives you a taste of our bluelight experience. Here’s additional information about our recent work.
Devon And Cornwall PCC Offices for: Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon & Cornwall services: OPCC
Noteworthy Elements:
› Refurbishment of the building ground floor and entrance area to improve flow, access and aesthetics
› Project stemmed from the relationship built through the Middlemoor and Bodmin projects
Nottinghamshire Police Custody Suite for: Nottinghamshire Police services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› 50-cell custody suite with innovative, separate area for juveniles and vulnerable persons
› Staff courtyard space between cell corridors
› Separate and convenient decontamination area
› Flexible approach to building design for maximum longevity
Bury Ambulance Operations Hub for: East of England Ambulance services: Ambulance / £10m
Noteworthy Elements:
› Low/NZC facility
› Model “Hub” solution, value engineered to reduce to 2 storey minimising volume to reduce carbon in-use and construction
› Comprises workshops, AVP, Offices and staff facilities
Herne Bay Custody Suite for: Kent Police services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› Feasibility study for a 20-cell custody suite with 20,000 sqft of ancillary space and accommodation
› We’re reviewing site availability, requirements and impact on the Kent Police estate
Wilmslow Police station for: Cheshire Police services: Police / value: £1m
Noteworthy Elements:
› First Passivhaus police station in the UK
› Breeam Excellent
› Fabric first design approach
› NZC Target
› Houses Neighbourhood Police teams
› Part of a wider estates strategy to provide better accommodation
Bamfurlong Operations Centre for: Gloucestershire Constabulary services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› The Bamfurlong Operations Centre is home to a range of teams, including response, firearms, collision investigation, equine and dog units.
Darlington Fire Station for: County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service | services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› New build firestation: the entire building was completed in under a year.
Further Project Information
Dorset Police HQ for: Dorset Police services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› New fit for purpose headquarters building
› New memorial garden, part of a wider landscape masterplan
› BREEAM Very Good
› Implementing new ways of working
Bedfordshire Bluelight Hub for: Bedfordshire Police / Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue services: Police / Fire and Rescue
Noteworthy Elements:
› A single hub to improve facilites for the Police & Fire Services while maximising site value by freeing up land for a new residential development
Eastern Custody Suite for: West Midlands Police services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› Currently in late-stage development.
› Efficient new-build custodial facility
› 8,050m² (total) custody ‘super-suite’ comprises 60 cell suite with ancillary/ support space, and 3,550m² office space, all on a 4.71 acre site.
› Utilising a mix of steel frame construction and MMC, whilst achieving strict levels of security.
Springman House, Lewes for: Sussex Police services: Police / Fire & Rescue / Ambulance
Noteworthy Elements:
› Part of a wider £180 million regeneration and masterplan
› Part of site being developed into a hotel
› Operational police station / Ambulance base / County council offices
› Fire station with 4 appliance bays and a drill station
This brochure gives you a taste of our bluelight experience. Here’s additional information about our recent work.
Bodmin Custody Suite, Cornwall for: Devon and Cornwall Police services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› Custody suite
› Headquarters extension
Rutland Hub, Rutland for: Leicestershire Police services: Police / Fire & Rescue / Ambulance / NHS / County Council
Noteworthy Elements:
› Police station / Fire station
› Ambulance base / GP surgery
› Hospital ward / County council offices
Dafen Custody Suite for: Dyfed-Powys Police services: Police / £12m
Noteworthy Elements:
› New-build 4,000m² custody suite comprising 2,650m² 18 cell suite with ancillary/support space, and 1,350m² flexible working office space
› Targeting BREEAM Excellent
› Consolidates and replaces outdated smaller suites, as part of a long term estates’ strategy management plan.
› Utilising a mix of steel frame construction and MMC, whilst achieving strict levels of security.
Ambulance Hub, Warwick for: West Midlands Ambulance Service services: Ambulance
Noteworthy Elements:
› The building includes facilities for cleaning and servicing vehicles, as well as staff/ crew facilities, hygienic washdown and changing, medicine stores and offices
Hanley Fire Station for: Stoke-On-Trent & Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Authority services: Fire and Rescue
Noteworthy Elements:
› Three storey accommodation block and 3 appliance bays, each capable of housing 2 vehicles
Gwent Police Operational Facility for: Gwent Police services: Police
Noteworthy Elements:
› Targeting BREEAM Excellent
› Purpose built specialist training centre
› New build 50 cell custody suite including vulnerable wing and flexible working office space
Our Teams Security Clearance Information
Corstorphine & Wright have dedicated bluelight and defence teams leading to a high number of the practice being SC Cleared to work on sensitive projects currently up to “Top Secret” level.
Our Bluelight team is managed by Director Simon Crosby who is Enhanced SC cleared and working with some of the most classified projects in the country. In addition to this he also holds NPPV3 with a number of forces throughout the UK. Simon is supported by Associate Director Russell Geary who holds the same levels of clearance. Our SC teams are split across the north and south of the UK and are able to support forces on a national basis.
Due to the nature of this work we are able to store and work on projects of a Top Secret nature on our secure servers with limited access, with security protocols being written for each individual project.
Corstorphine & Wright in numbers
280+ strong team of experienced professionals who share learnings from across the practice
11 studios across the UK
24 of the UK's 43 police forces have worked with our team
80+ Team members have Enhanced SC clearance, with access to CPNI information
4 organisations collaborate with us, including the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Estates Group and the College of Policing
25+ years’ combined bluelight experience
Contact us to discuss your project
E: bluelight@cw-architects.co.uk
W: www.corstorphine-wright.com
corstorphine-wright
@cwrightarch
corstorphinewright
Our Studios
Birmingham
Canterbury
Darlington
Glasgow
Leeds
London
Manchester
Newcastle
Stourbridge
Tamworth
Warwick
2023