North East
Construction
Tilbury Douglas New Custody Suite
“These advanced facilities will have a far-reaching impact on our ability to effectively investigate crime and secure justice for victims of crime.”
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner's Office
Tilbury Douglas completed the new Durham Investigative Hub, a state-of-the-art two-storey facility that centralises Durham Constabulary’s operations and sets a new benchmark for blue light infrastructure in the UK
Procured via the Procure Partnerships Framework
The new Hub replaces ageing custody suites and centralises the force’s operations, improving evidence gathering, prisoner safety, and the working environment for officers and staff across County Durham and Darlington.
It is the first project in the UK to implement the Blue Light Commercial Social Value Toolkit, achieving a social value return of over £25 million.
A facility built for every aspect of modern policing
- 48 custody cells
- Office space and interview rooms
- Crime Scene Investigation facilities
- Evidence stores
- Virtual courts and CCTV
- Medical and forensic examination rooms
Record-breaking social value
The Durham Investigative Hub is the first project in the UK to implement the Blue Light Commercial Social Value Toolkit. The Durham Investigative Hub took home the Social Value Impact Award at the Procure Partnerships Framework National Project Excellence Awards 2025, recognised for its record-breaking £25m+ return
The project created 26 jobs through Durham Enable, delivered 45 hours of career mentoring via Changing Lives, and supported DASH, a charity helping those at risk of homelessness.
- First UK project to use Blue Light Commercial Social Value Toolkit
- 26 jobs created through Durham Enable
- 45 hours of career mentoring via Changing Lives
- 778 apprenticeship weeks delivered
- Volunteering with DASH homelessness charity
A new standard for blue light facilities
Procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the Durham Investigative Hub sets a new benchmark for public sector construction — combining operational excellence, officer wellbeing, and record social value outcomes in one landmark facility.
“This is a proud moment for everyone who has contributed to this ambitious project. 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.”
Commissioner Allen
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office
“Completing the Durham Investigative Hub is a significant milestone for Tilbury Douglas, further enhancing our extensive experience in the blue light sector. This facility is designed to meet the evolving needs of Durham Constabulary, ensuring they have the modern infrastructure required to serve the community effectively.”
Paul Ellenor
Regional Director North East, Tilbury Douglas
“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.”
Phil Shaw,
Managing Director, Tilbury Douglas