£20m proposal for new police stations is approved

The Middlesbrough Police district headquarters and 50-cell custody suite will be built in St Hilda's.

It will be the centrepiece of a scheme that also includes new stations in Redcar and South Bank.

Two companies are now competing for the contract after the Government approved the £20m needed under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme.

The successful developer is expected to be chosen by this summer and work is expected to start as soon as planning permissions are in place.

Project co-ordinator Dave Kirk said the St Hilda's complex would have cells radiating out in the wings, monitored from one central point.

The building will also house the force identity suite and operational officers as well as the directorate of criminal justice and other organisations.

Cleveland Police Authority chairman Councillor Ken Walker said his main concern was obtaining the best possible premises for the force while also incurring financial benefits for local council taxpayers.

He said: "I have no doubt that using the PFI route will enable us to undertake an improvement programme on a scale which would be impossible by any other means.

"We believe it will make a real difference in enabling officers and staff to work in modern, purpose-built buildings and, in turn, this should enable them to deliver a top-quality service to the local community.

"One of the key benefits is that it will allow the release of additional officers for frontline policing, something, which both the force and the public see as a top priority."

The scheme was first discussed more than a year ago but hold-ups in agreeing the best financial settlement caused delays in gaining approval.

Cleveland Deputy Chief Constable Ron Hogg said the improved efficiency the scheme would create would mean 19 officers would be able to resume operational duties on Teesside streets.

He said: "When completed, it will pay dividends for both our staff and the public."