Preferred bidder appointed for WYP PFI project

West Yorkshire Police Authority and West Yorkshire Police have appointed a consortium to design, build, finance and service two new divisional headquarters, custody suites and a specialist operational training facility.

The project, which is part of a Private Finance Initiative, will be led by Interserve and Equitix as the preferred bidder to design, which means the consortium has formally signed up to a number of commitments to work together with West Yorkshire Police to reach financial close in May 2012.

The new divisional headquarters and custody facilities will be located at Elland Road in Leeds and Havertop Lane at Normanton. The facilities are expected to provide a modern, flexible working environment and, more significantly, support West Yorkshire Police’s drive to modernise services that are provided to local communities.

Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, chair of the authority, said: “I am delighted to confirm the formal appointment of the Interserve/Equitix consortium as preferred bidder following a detailed and competitive bidding process. Throughout the development of the proposals the consortiums have demonstrated commitment, vision and a proven ability to deliver innovative facilities on time, on budget.”

The new specialist operational training centre will be located next to the force’s Operational Support Division and will include state-of-the-art firearms training ranges, public order and driver training facilities.

Subject to the successful outcome of the planning applications, construction work will begin on each of the sites in June 2012, to be completed in 2014. The consortium will then be responsible for delivery of facilities management services including cleaning, maintenance and energy management, once the buildings are completed.