better police buildings -...

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BETTER POLICE BUILDINGS

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“Good design and high quality stands the test of time and saves money in the long term”.Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communication and Creative Industries.

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FOREWORD 4

THE CASE FOR GOOD DESIGN 5

BACKGROUND 8

PROJECT ENABLING 10

DESIGN REVIEW 11

CASE STUDIES:

Gravesend Police Station, North Kent 16

Carlisle Police Headquarters, North Cumbria 22

Bodmin Police Hub, Cornwall 28

HatfieldPoliceStation,Hertfordshire 34

FINDINGS 40

CONCLUSIONS 44

Acknowledgements 45

ListofImages 45

Locationofprojectsreviewed 46

Listanddatesofprojectsreviewed 47

CONTENTS

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andtechnicaldesignexperts,withconsiderableexperienceinallbuildingtypesandthebuiltenvironment.ThispanelhasbeenhelpingPoliceAuthoritiesandnowPCCstoimprovethestandardofdesign in Police buildings since 2005, and I would commend its valuable service.

Police buildings should evoke civicprideandinspireconfidencein those who see and use them. Thispublicationshowsthatgooddesignismuchmorethanjustfaçadesandfinishes.Itisachievedthroughtheapproach,processesand adherence to high standards thattheHomeOfficeDesignPanel,actingindependentlyandimpartially,hassoughttoprovideto all those seeking its advice.

Thispublicationwillproveinvaluable to all those involved in thekeyprocessofdesigningournewpolicebuildings.

FOREWORD

Damian Green MinisterofStateforPolicingandCriminal Justice

I warmly welcome this review. It comes at a time when Policing in England and Wales is undergoingsignificantchangeandmodernisation.TheintroductionofPolice and Crime Commissioners have made the Police more publiclyaccountable,andnewtechnologiesandwaysofworkingwillhelpthepolicedomorewithless,focusingbetteronfightingcrime.Increasinglyinplacessuchassupermarkets,librariesandcouncilofficesweareseeingaPolicepresence,offeringgreateraccessibilitytothepublic.SuitablePolicebuildingswillalsosupportthesereforms.

As the Chancellor set out attheSpendingRound,theGovernment is considering ways itcanencouragemorejoined-upworkingbetweenthepolice,fireand ambulance services. There is thetri-serviceemergencycentreinGloucestershirepraisedby

the Audit Commission, and in Hampshire,fire,policeandthelocalauthorityarejoiningupbackofficeservicesandexpecttosavearound £4 million a year. We want theseexamplestobecomethenorm.

WhenthereisstillaneedforamajornewPolicebuilding,itisvitalthat it is well designed to meet thechangingPoliceneedsofthefuture.Thatitencouragesstafftoperformwell,issustainableandprovidesgoodvalueformoney. The National Planning Policy Framework, which was launchedlastyear,callsforhighstandardsofdesign.Itrequiresthat local authorities, while making planningdecisions,considertherecommendationsofdesignreviewpanels.

Asthisguideexplains,theHomeOfficehasappointedandfundsanadvisorypanelofarchitectural

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THE CASE FOR GOOD DESIGN

Better Police Buildings examines a numberofkeydesignandbuildingissues. Police buildings are highly sophisticatedandcomplex,particularlywhencustodyfacilitiesare involved. At their best they shouldbebuildingsofquality.Theyshouldbepleasanttolookat,butalso work well and stand the test oftime.Theyshouldbeflexible,sustainable,andupliftthespiritsofthosethatworkinorvisitthem.

OverthepasteightyearstheHomeOfficeDesignPanel(thePanel) has been involved in many typesofbuildingsinmanydifferentlocations. However, it has been the Police Forces in England that haveprovidedthebulkofitswork.ThePanelfollowsthemodelestablished by the Commission forArchitectureandtheBuiltEnvironment(CABE)from1999onwards.ThePanelismadeupofagroupofbuiltenvironmentexpertswhoofferimpartial-independentofclient,professionorgovernment-timelyandsoundadviceregardingthequalityofthedesignofascheme.ThePanelisnotonlyforgranddesignsbutformodest new schemes as well.

In2005theHomeOfficepublishedtheguidanceDesignQualityforPolice Buildings to assist all those involved in commissioning new Police buildings. This document builds on that guidance. It is aimed attheEstateManagers,theChiefConstables and the Police and CrimeCommissioners(PCCs)andalsothelocalplanningauthoritiesand their decision makers.

WhytheemphasisonimprovingthedesignofPolicebuildings?Theyprovidevalueformoney,a lasting legacy and in many instances, as our case studies show,abetterqualityofpolicing.

Good design is not costly design. Good design is not an extra, it is essentialtoprovidingvalueformoney and Police buildings that arefitforpurposenowandinthefuture.Theexamplesheredemonstratetheimportanceofconsideringthewholelifecostsoftheproject,providingflexibleandenergyefficientbuildings.Gooddesignwillalsoprovidesafercustody,operationalimprovementsand enhance morale. Contrast this withthe“lowestcost”approachwherebuildingswillprovetobeinflexibleandoutofdateevenbeforetheyareoccupied;theydonotservetheoccupantswell,contribute to lower morale and operationalinefficiencies.

Design Review can offer particular help to ensure that good design principles are followed and costly mistakes are avoided.

The cost of poorly functioning buildings and recruiting, training and retaining staff are significant. Reducing stress through good design is essential.

Better Police Buildings highlight waystofacilitateimprovedPolicingmethods through good design. Keytothislegacyistochampionsuccess across the client and suppliercommunity.

ThispublicationfocusesontheroleofthePanelandthecontribution that good design can make. Everyone involved in Police buildingswillfindsomethingofvalue here.

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Better designed Police buildings will:

• Increaseoperationaleffectivenessandimprovemorale

• Arisefromgoodstewardshipoftheexistingestateandthoughtfulmasterplanning

• Arederivedfromanassessmentofthebenefitsofrefurbishmentover demolition and new construction

• Are located where they are neededwithrespecttocontextandplace

• Arefitforpurposeforaslongasthey are needed

• Are designed to be accessible to all

• Respondtoclimatechangeandminimisetheircarbonfootprint

• Createspacesthatpeoplewillenjoyandbeproudof

• Achievepowerfulsimplicitywithout blandness or mediocrity.

‘The Design Review Panel produced genuine, meaningful and most importantly measurable benefits to the design process and ultimately the final completed building. The true test is looking at the design prior to review and the final design. Is it better? At Durranhill, yes.Philip Robinson: Head of Estates & Facilities, Cumbria Police

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“The Design Review process provided Hertfordshire Constabulary with a review structure which created a forum for focusing on design. It generated open, positive debate on the merits of various design approaches. The benefit of this process is realised still to this day in positive feedback from users and visitors to the building.”Ian Potter, Head of Estates & Facilities, Hertfordshire Police.

For almost ten years the Home Officehasbeenprovidingdesignadvice to Police Forces and others involvedintheprocurementofnewpublicbuildings.Since2005theHomeOfficeDesignPanelhasbeeninvolvedin36projectsacrosstheUK,fromCornwalltoCumbria.

ThePanelhelpstoachievebetterPolicebuildingsbyprovidingwellinformed,impartialexpertadvice. This is known as Enabling (attheearlieststagesofdesignprocurement),andDesignReview(throughoutthesubsequentdesigndevelopment).Thisadviceisnotexclusiveitispartofaconstructivedialogue between the Police, their designteamandtheHomeOffice.

TheappointmentofPCCsinNovember2012wasamajoraimofthePoliceReformandSocialResponsibilityAct,whichcameintoforcein2011.Theintentionwas, and still is, to make the Police moreaccountabletothepublic,insteadofthegovernmentandto make them more visible and accessible.Policebuildingsplayanimportantpartinthis.

WhilethereisnoformalrequirementforthePolicetouseeither Enabling or Design Review, adviceofferedhasbeenwellreceived.

BACKGROUND

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Enabling and Design Review are tried and tested methods of promoting good design in all public building projects, in a cost-effective manner. Design Review is also enshrined in the NPPF as one of the ways of improving design and therefore the quality of the built environment.

ThePanelismadeupofrelevantexpertsinthefieldsofarchitecture,planningandurbandesignandinHomeOfficedesignstandards.

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The Panel is not only concerned withthereviewofprojectsoncedesignshavebeenproduced,althoughthisisimportant,italsoprovidesanenablingroleforPoliceForces.

ProjectEnablingprovidesclientswithexpertandindependentadviceandismosteffectiveattheearlybriefingstagesofaproject.Engagement is usually at the start ofthebriefinganddesignprocess,eitherbeforetheappointmentofadesign team or contractor, or soon after.

MembersofthePanelcanhelpthePoliceForcedevelopthebriefto ensure that good design is procured.Itcanhelpsupportthe

procurementandmanagementofthedesignprocess.Thisisnotasubstitutefordesignprofessionalsand consultants: enablers do not undertake design tasks. They are there to act as mentor and advisor to the client but not as an advocateforthescheme.Theyremainobjective.

Eachsite,projectandclientisdifferent.WithintheremitofthePanel,itwillrespondtotheneedsandtheconcernsoftheclientanddesign team at that time. This is whythereisnoprescribedtickboxorlistofstandardquestions.

Inrecentyearsthefunctionofthe Enabling service has been to establish the client’s needs

andaspirationsforaprojectbydevelopingaclearvisionandastrongbrief.Orbyhelpingtoensure that client requirements fordesignareprotectedwithincontractual documents.

Design quality indicators are a methodofevaluatingthedesignofanewbuildorrefurbishmentproject.Theyarealsoausefultoolatthebiddingstageofaproject.

Enabling is best used alongside a Client Design Champion or similar project advocate, providing them with the confidence to encourage good design.

PROJECT ENABLING

Project Enabling

LocatedonathreeacresiteonWaterwellsBusinessPark,Gloucestershire,adjacenttotheexistingPoliceHQBuildingandTri-ServiceCentre,anewcustodysuitewillcompletethe‘BlueLight’campus.ThebuildingisinresponsetoanurgentoperationalneedbecauseoftheextremelypoorstateoftheexistingcellsintheCounty.

TheHomeOfficeDesignEnablerwasengagedin2011atanearlystageoftheprocurementprocessandbeforetheselectionandappointmentofthearchitecturalteam.AttheEnabler’ssuggestionamini-architecturalcompetitionwasarrangedtoaidtheselectionprocesswithscoresawardedonabalancebetweendesignandindividualpricedtendersforthedesignwork.TheEnablerthenworkedwiththeConstabularyanddesignteamtodevelopthedesigntoafully-functionalpre-constructionstage.

“TheDesignPanelprocesshasaddedvaluebyensuringcompliancewiththeHomeOfficePoliceBuildingDesignGuideandprovidingindependentsupporttotheproject,enhancingqualityandreassuringthePoliceAuthority.TheEnablerhasaddedvaluebysupportingthedesignteamandactingasanindependentguideonwhattheDesignReviewPanelarelookingforaswellashelpingachievethebestvalueformoney.”

Richard Bradley, Project Manager, Gloucestershire Police

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“The Panel is not primarily concerned with a building’s appearance. It does not interfere with contractual relationships. It simply seeks to raise the standard of design for the benefit of you, the client, and those that will use the building for years to come.”Tom Jestico, Architect and Panel Member

Governmentplacesgreatimportanceonthequalityofdesign. While the guidance refersspecificallytolocaldesignreviewpanelsandanationaldesignreviewprocess,theguidancewouldequallyapplytoagovernmentdepartmentaldesignreviewprocess,particularlywhereitoffersspecificbuildingtypeexpertiselikethePaneldoes.

Anybrieftoprocuretheservicesofarchitects and contractors should makeprovisionforconsultingandengaging with the Panel. The Panel isindependentandimpartial.Itdoes not make decisions but its advice is directed towards the decision-makersinthePoliceForce.Itisalsoaconfidentialprocess(althoughelementsaresubjecttoFreedomofInformationAct, 2000).

DESIGN REVIEW

Design Review and the Planning Process

Onthe27thMarch2012,anewnationalplanningregimecameintoforcewiththepublicationoftheNationalPlanningPolicyFramework(NPPF).Thismakesitexplicitthattheprocessofdesignreviewistobeconsideredimportantbylocalauthoritiesindeterminingplanningapplications.Paragraph62oftheNPPFstatesthat:

Local planning authorities should have local design review arrangements in place to provide assessment and support to ensure high standards of design. They should also when appropriate refer major projects for a national design review (currently provided by Design Council cabe). In general, early engagement on design produces the greatest benefits. In assessing applications, local planning authorities should have regard to the recommendations from the design review panel.

Thereasonforthisisstatedinthesubsequentparagraph;

In determining applications, great weight should be given to outstanding or innovative designs which help raise the standard of design more generally in the area.

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Review and Enabling. Each stage shouldbebuiltintothebriefwiththeconsultantsbeforetheirappointment.

OnceapreferreddesignoptionhasbeenarrivedatitisgoodpracticetoconsultthePanelbeforefurtherdesignworkiscarriedout.Meetingsareofferedwhichtaketheformatofaformalpresentationby the design team with the clientpresent.Thispresentationtakes no more than an hour, and isfollowedbyaquestionandanswersessionfromthePanel.Questionsarenotpre-determinedbutingeneralwillgofrommacroissuestomicroissues:fromstrategytoexecutionandfromdesignconceptstodesigndetails.With each review the questioning becomesmorefocussedandthePanel more involved in the detailed designandoperationalissues.

It is advisable to consult the Panel attheearlystagesofthedesignto ensure that decisions are not taken that cannot be revisited. IftheschemefirstcomestothePanelwhenthedesignapproachisfixeditisfarhardertotakethedecisiontorevisittheconcepts.Itbecomes costly, wasting time and resources.

Followingthepresentationandquestions,itisusualforthePanelto have a closed discussion.

The Review

Eachpanelreviewwilltypicallylastthreeorfourhoursandisacombinationofpresentationofdesign material, discussion about issues and suggestions about the designortheapproach.

Once engaged, the initial meeting ofthePanelwillusuallytakeplaceinoneofthePoliceForce’sbuildings and include a site visit withallselectedmembersofthePanelandtheForce’sappointedteam.It’sagoodopportunitytotalkthroughtheapproachto the new building and any cultural change that the Force is seeking through its new building programme.

TherewillbeaminimumoffourPanel members. They will be lead by an architect, include otherarchitectsandaplanning/urbandesignexpert.ThePanelmaybesupplementedbyotherskillssuchaslandscapedesign,sustainability, mechanical and electrical(M&E)engineering,and may include someone with expertiseinPostOccupancyEvaluation(POE).ComplyingwiththeHomeOfficerequirementforcustody suite design is vital so the PanelalsoincludesHomeOfficeTechnicalStandardsexpertsincustody accommodation.

EachPanelforthereviewisdrawnfromalonglistofpractitionersandexperts.TheHomeOffice

considersthemtobewellplacedtoofferadvice.

The aim of the Panel is to consider the project in the round. Many panellists have designed Police buildings themselves but having professionals from a variety of backgrounds adds perspective, it ensures that a wide range of issues about designing major projects can be covered.

Appointmentswillalsobeundertaken to ensure there are no conflictsofinterest.

The Police Force’s design team isencouragedtobeopentotheprocessandtosharetheirthinkingwiththePanel.TheHomeOfficeencouragestheuseofmasterplansandurbandesignanalysisandalsovariousphysicalmodelsofthedesigndevelopment.

Abriefingabouttheprojectisrequestedinadvanceofthemeeting. The meetings are not formaloccasionsrathertheyresembleinteractiveworkshops.

It is likely that there will be severalreviewsoflargerprojectsasthedesigndevelopsandkeystages are reached. There may beaseriesofPanelmeetingsoracombinationofDesign

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This ensures that all issues have beencovered;thatfeedbackisbothcomprehensiveandcoherent;that the Panel is united in their viewandtheapproachneeded.

ItwillsometimesbeappropriateforthePoliceForcetobepresentthrough the closed discussion but not always. Following this discussion the meeting is reconvened and the chair will cover the issues that the Panel thinkareimportant.Thisisusuallyacombinationofwhatisworkingwell,andwhatcouldbeimproved.

WithintendaysofthemeetingawrittenreportisissuedtothePolice Force, containing the thoughtsandrecommendationsofthePanel.Thereport,intheformofaletter,comesfromtheHomeOffice.Atthisstagetheletterremainsconfidential.TheremaybeaseriesofreviewstoexaminehowtheteamhaverespondedtothePanel’s comments.

The Police Force should be aware of the NPPF and what it says about the importance of design and the encouragement of design review. It is likely that the Police will be able to use the Panel’s letter in support of their planning application with the Local Authority and other statutory bodies. On occasions it may be beneficial for observers, such as the local planning officers, to attend the review.

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CASE STUDIES

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Project Summary:Client: Kent Police Authority, now the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner

Form of Procurement: PFI

Architects: McBainsCooper/GlennHowellsArchitects

Date of Completion: May 2008

Review History: CABEreviewinSeptember2004ofthethreePFIbidders’schemes,HomeOfficeDesignReviewNo.520thMay2005,HomeOfficeDesign Review 31st August 2005

Post Occupancy Evaluation:UndertakeninJuly2009byZZAResponsiveUserEnvironments

Accommodation: 11,500m²four-storeybuildingforpoliceandcivilianstaff,thedivision’sstoreforevidentialandlost&foundpropertyandacustodysuiteof40cells.

Sustainable Design: GroundSourceHeatPumpdrilled30mintotheaquiferprovidingheatingandcooling;BREEAMExcellent

NORTH KENT POLICE STATION

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The ContextThebuildingcomplexislocatedatNorthfleetinanareathathadbeenpartofanopenrecreationalground. It is close to the Thames and Gravesend Town Centre but located outside the town. This providesoperationalaccessto the A2.

The original design envisaged a central‘H’planofaccommodationwithaprominent400-vehicledoublestoreycarpark.FollowingtheDesignReviewprocesstheconceptwasrevisited. Background

TheprojectwasconceivedandbuiltastheareaHQforNorthKent, a busy Police Authority. WhencompletedinMay2008thefacilitywastheAreaHQforNorthKentbuttoday,throughthe‘NewPolicingModel’,itoperatesmorealongthelinesofasatelliteHQ.This rebalancing and collaboration with other Forces has resulted in the Serious Crime Directorate andProcurementDepartmentforKent and Essex being based in the facility.

Design ReviewInSeptember2004,CABEwasaskedbytheHomeOfficetoreviewthethreecompetingPFIbidder’sscheme.Itfoundallthreebiddersproposalstobeverypoorintermsofconceptanddesign.TheAuthority’spreferredbidderwastheleastacceptable.CABEquestionedthebrief,thesiteplanningandtheproposeddesignresolutionandcalledforafreshstart.

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InMay2005,theHomeOfficePanelreviewedthepreferredscheme and while this design wasfunctionalitpresentedaverypoorrelationshipwithitscontext.Thedesignwascriticisedforlongnarrow corridors, inadequate daylighttoofficespacesandapoorinterfacewiththepublicentrances to the site. The Panel concluded that the scheme was not good enough and should not besubmittedforplanninginitspresentform.

Glenn Howells Architects was introduced to carry out a reappraisaloftheconceptwiththe existing design team. There werealsotwointerimorinformalpresentationstothePanel.Theconceptfundamentallychangedtoprovideafourstoreyofficebuildingseparatedfromthecustodysuitebyacentralatriumand‘street’.Carparkingwasreducedtoserviceparkingareaswrappedaroundtheperimeterofthesiteandamuchmore coherent entrance sequence andlandscapestrategyweredeveloped.

ThistimethePanelwereconfidentthattherevisedconceptcouldbeworkeduptobeagooddesignand while they had some concerns abouttheresolutionofsomeelements, the overall comments were more constructive suggesting areastofocusonasthescheme

designprogressed.ThePanelcommendedthe‘simplicity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of the built form’.Theyalsopraisedthe‘choice of materials internally and externally’ which today are a majorthemeofthisproject.

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OutcomeInrecruitingstaff,KentPolicehastocompetewiththeMetropolitanPolice,butthehighstandardandpopularityofthenew accommodation has greatly assisted in recruiting and retaining goodpeopleatNorthKent.ThemajorsuccessofNorthKentisthe ingenious way the designers havecreatedacoherent,simple,andelegantcompositionoutofacomplexaccommodationrequirement, on a tight narrow site. Theresultisadistinguishedpublicbuilding, a design that will stand thetestsandrigoursoftimeandisenjoyabletoworkin.

Thecompositionofthebuildingsat North Kent is coherent and the architectural language is one ofcrispdetailing.Theexposedsmooth concrete cladding and slimcrosswallsframethetintedrecessed glazing and the narrow darkgreylouvres.Theformalpavedapproachtotheentranceandassociatedlandscapeisalsowell considered and attractive.

Natural daylight is achieved to the charge desk area but the narrownessoftheavailablesite,andtheconsiderableoperational,servicingandcarparkingdemandsplacedonit,meansthatprovidingfullynaturallylitcellshasnotbeen

achievedotherthanbysunpipes.

CABE and the Panel have clearly beenveryinfluential.Theirinputat the early stage resulted in the rethinkingoftheconceptdesignbeforethetimeandmoneyhadbeenspentondetaileddesign.The revised scheme was achieved throughstronglinearplanning,thespecificationofthreematerials:glass,concrete,metal(louvres),andanassuredapproachtoarchitecturalcompositionincontext.Thisapproachalsospeaksvolumesintermsoftheimageofthe Police Force in North Kent as acoherent,moretransparent,andimpressivemodernpublicentity.

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NORTH CUMBRIA POLICE HEADQUARTERS

Project Summary:Client: Cumbria Police Authority, now the North Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Form of Procurement: Design and Build

Architects: IBI Taylor Young

Date of Completion: April2010

Review History:Informalreviewofshort-listedsubmissions on 21stAugust2007,fullReviewheldatDurranhillCustody Centre on 10th October 2007

Post Occupancy Evaluation: August 2011

Accommodation: Three storey building with 4400 m2ofworkingofficespace,canteen. A 1000m2 24 cell block was constructed alongside the BasicCommandUnit(BCU)viaaseparatecontract,

Sustainable Design: ProjectfeaturesGroundSourceHeatPump(undergarages),PhotoVoltaics(PVs),rainwaterharvesting, and is naturally cooled.

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The ContextThe North Cumbria Basic CommandUnit(BCU),Durranhill,projectaroseoutofanurgentneed. Cumbria had sought to developanalternativesitewithintheir estate close to the M6 but didnotreceiveplanningconsent.ShortlyafterwardsthePoliceStationinthecentreofCarlislewasfloodedandbadlydamaged.TheHQbuildingrepresentsthelargestcapitalinvestmentinthePolice Force’s history. It unites officersthathadbeenspreadacross the district in many Police stationsandoccupiesakeystrategicpositionclosetotheScottishborder.Thecruciformmodular custody suite was constructedasafirstphase.Forthe Durranhill BCU contractors wereprovidedwithaguidepricefiguretoassistinobtainingvalueformoneybids.

BackgroundAHomeOfficeDesignEnablerworking closely with the Cumbria Estates Team and the Design Champion.ADQIworkshopwasalso convened by the Enabler tohelpstakeholdersbetterunderstandthebenefitsofgooddesign. Working in tandem the Enabling and Design Review supportedtheEstatesteam’snegotiationswiththetwofinalbiddersleadingtotheselectionofpreferredbidder.

Design ReviewBoth the reviews highlighted a numberofdesignissues.Forexample,thepublicpedestrianaccess to the custody suite wascomplicatedandgreaterassessmentwasrequiredforthecolouredglassshading;theeffectivenessofshadingtotherear elevation and the location andnatureofthemainreceptionspace.

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Outcome

Theconceptderivedfromtheclient’sdesiretoprovideahighlysustainable building. The internal streetisseenasparticularlysuccessfulasitprovidesgreatscopeforinteractionaswellasprovidinghighlevelsofdaylightinto the building. The structural and services solutions are effectiveandprovideexcellentthrough-lifevalue.

Someaspectsofthefunctionalityareconstrainedbythenatureofthe Brunel Way site, limiting the abilitytodeliveranoptimallayout.The custody wing was constructed separatelyandasaconsequenceit is less integrated with the main buildingthanitwouldbeiftheyhadbeenprocuredandbuilttogether. Additionally, the bold approachwouldhavebenefittedfromadditionaltesting,modellinganddevelopment.InsuchcasesseekingadvicefromthePanelattheearlystageintheprocurementprocessisbeneficial.

Durranhill illustrates how the Panel -throughitscollectiveexperienceandknowledgeofPolicedesignrequirements and the wider principlesofgooddesign-isabletosupportPoliceAuthorityclientstoensureconceptscanbeeffectivelytranslatedintoworkablebuildings.TheprojectbenefitedfromtheinvolvementofaHomeOfficeEnablerwhowasabletowork with the Estates Team and liaisewiththePanel.Thishelped

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supportthecompetitivedialoguephaseandresultedinmoreeffectiveteam-working.

Innovationinallitsaspectswastheprincipalconsiderationforthisproject.Andthecompletedbuilding is undoubtedly strikingly innovative.Thestreetandopenplanlayouthaveresultedinabuildingthatisbothcomfortableandenjoyabletoworkin,whilealsoefficientandflexibleinoperation.Injudgingsubsequentprojects,Durranhillhasestablished a benchmark across this Police Authority.

“It is quite simply a great place to work. I never thought that open plan would make such a difference to the working environment. Not having doors really does make it more open and inviting. It has made a difference to inter-departmental working.”Comment from the POE

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Project Summary:Client: Devon and Cornwall Police Authority, now the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner

Form of Procurement:Design and Build

Architects: Stride Treglown

Date of Completion: Autumn2009

Review History:ReviewPanelheldon7th June 2006 at Bodmin to review two contendingbidders,reviewofBAFODesign Submission held on 2nd August 2006 H.O in London, review ofHawkstoneproposalsheldon7th September2006atRPSOffices,Bristol(redesignfollowingtwodesignworkshopsinvolvingPanelmembers).

Post Occupancy Evaluation:May 2010

Accommodation: StrategicOperatingPolicingHubincorporatingdifferentdepartments;Traffic,ArmedResponseVehicles,MajorCrimeInvestigation Team, Scenes ofCrimeteamsandCollisionInvestigators, in addition to the Patrol and Neighbourhood Teams, and single storey vehicle maintenanceworkshopandfacilityfordoghandling.Thereisnocustodyprovision.

Sustainable Design: Naturallyventilated,nightpurgecooling, BREEAM Very Good.

BODMIN POLICE HUB

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The ContextThe Bodmin site was selected as a location central to the Devon and Cornwall Force’s area and with good access to the A30, the arterial route in Cornwall. The adequacyofparkingandtheeaseofaccessbycarandpublictransportseemtomakeitmoreaccessible,physicallyandsocially.TheprojectwaspartfinancedthroughthesaleofthesurplusPolice station.

BackgroundBodmin Hub is viewed as a pathfinderforamoremodernForce. This was the most significantnewbuildingforDevonand Cornwall Police in 30 years. Bodmin is not a traditional Police station but a Hub that can easily adapttooperationaldemands;ithasnocustodyfacilitiesbutdoeshaveforensicsandfacilitatesanarmedresponseunit.TheHubhasperformedwellasamajorincidentcentre as designed. At times the buildingmayseemunder-occupiedhoweveritisactuallyfunctioningeffectivelyasakeyresourcebase.

The new Police Hub is a striking three-storeybuilding,articulatedinthecentretoformaboomerangshape.Theangledmono-pitchroofformsaprominentoverhangemphasisingthecontourandslopeofthesite.Thebuildingisentered at the elbow between the twowings.Thereisaspaciousfullheightlobbyareathatofferstransparencythroughthegroundfloorcirculationspace.

The building is naturally ventilated, hashighlevelsofinsulation,usesrainwater harvesting and has solar thermalpanelsthatpre-heathotwaterfortheshowers.Thereisacarbonusedisplayinthelobbyandthelow-energybluelightfeatureintheentranceisverysimplebuteffective.Thoughtfulelements such as the etched glass artworktothededicatedbriefingroomreflectimaginationandattention to details.

Landscapeisusedsuccessfullytoprovidethenecessarystandoffsecurityprotectionbutthesenseisofawelcomingandlowsecuritybuilding.

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Design ReviewBodminrepresentsanexampleoftheintegratedapproachthatthePanelcanbringtoprojects.An Enabler worked alongside theprojectmanagertohelpattheearlystagesoftheproject’sdevelopment.ThereweretwocompetingbiddersintheprocesswhenthePanelfirstsawthe schemes. The Panel also recommended that the designers be allowed additional time to get theconceptdesigntoastagewhereitcouldformthebasisofagood scheme.

The Panel urged the team to lookatthenatureoftheslopedsiteandtoplacethebuildingwith care. The Panel also made recommendationsfortheentranceandpublic‘address’ofthebuilding as well as highlighting the importanceofdetaileddesign.ThePanelprovidedcleardesignadviceattheearlystagesoftheproject.

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OutcomeBodminisasuccessfulPoliceprojectwheredesignwasgivenpriorityinthedevelopmentofthebrief.ImportantlytheHeadofEstateswasalsotheappointedDesignChampionandwasinvolvedineverystageofdevelopment,reinforcedbytheDesignReviewprocess.ThesuccessofthePanelreviewwastolifttheschemefromonetheyfeltwasinadequatetooneofhighquality.

Theuseofanarrowlinearfloorplan,withpotentialforexpansion,ensuresanappropriatemixofcellularandopenplanaccommodation. There is a greatdealofattentionpaidtothepublicentranceandthevisitorexperience.Theexternalappearanceofthebuilding,thelayoutofthecarparkingandthelandscapeareengaging.ThebuildingisdignifiedbutnotaustereandsuitsitspurposeasaPoliceHub.

The building rests within the contoursofthehill.Itfeelssitespecificandnotgeneric.Thereceptionareaisparticularlysuccessful;itisafullheightspace,glazedatthefrontandback,offeringviewsrightthroughthecirculationspaceofthebuilding.Itis calm and understated, airy and brightandtherearefewnoticesonthe walls. Visitors, as well as those thatworkatthereception,appearto like it. There is good attention to detailthroughouttheproject.

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Project Summary:Client:HertfordshirePoliceAuthority,nowtheHertfordshirePoliceandCrimeCommissioner

Form of Procurement: Pre-appointmentofarchitectpriorto the Design and Build Contract

Architects: Vincent and Gorbing

Date of Completion: 2007

Review History:Design Review Panel 30th November2005HatfieldBusinessParkType1+2PoliceStationandCriminal Justice Centre

Accommodation:Grossfloorareaof6900m2, incorporatingaBaseCommandUnit Area Headquarters, Police Station with Public Enquiry Office,andaCustodyFacilitywithprovisionfor40cellsCriminalJustice Unit and a Magistrate Remand Court.

Sustainable Design: Passive cooling, embodied energy throughre-useofhistoricbuildings,BREEAM Very Good

HATFIELD POLICE STATION

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The ContextThebuildingsformpartoftheredevelopedDeHavillandaircraftfactorybasedatHatfield.Thescheme is based around two Grade II listed Art Deco buildings formerlypartoftheHatfieldAerodrome,builtin1934.ThelocationisclosetothecentreofHatfieldandtheA1.

Stakeholders such as the De Havilland Society and the local townplanningofficerwereconcerned that the two Grade II listed buildings were retained and sensitivelyincorporatedintothenew Police station.

Thebriefrequiredofficeprovisionaswellasacustodysuite,apublicenquiryofficeandsignificantparking.Thisrequirednewextensions to the listed buildings. Theareainfrontofthelistedbuildingshasawaterfeatureandmaturelandscapethatformspartofthesetting.

BackgroundThenewfacilitypartlyaroseoutofHertfordshire’sestatestrategy. Six Police stations have been relinquished and services rationalised with some activities co-locatedwithotherpublicauthorities.HatfieldfeaturesaMagistrates Remand Court as partoftheaccommodationandcells are shared with the Court. Improvingcustodywasakeydriverfortheproject,with100newcellstobeprovidedacrosstheCounty.

Anewpublicentrance,supportaccommodation and the custody suitewererequired.ThesefactorsnecessitatedanearlyappointmentofthearchitectsVincentandGorbing.

Design ReviewVariousoptionswerepresentedto the Panel including the reuse oftheoriginalentranceoftheolderbuilding.Considerableeffortwasappliedtothedetailofthisremarkableandwell-balancedproject.

The Panel commented about theneedfor‘an intellectual and philosophical debate’ at a level wellabove‘the‘usual run-of-the-mill’ police station project’. Itapplaudedthearchitectsfortheir ‘considered approach in resolving the mass and form, treatment and ‘clothing’ of these new buildings’. The Panel also commentedthatthesuccessofthis ‘intelligent proposal’ relied

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heavily on ‘the manner that the new building presents itself inserted between the original De Havilland buildings.’ The Panel addedvalueasasupportivechampiontoHertfordshireForceanditsarchitect,takingforwardaninnovativeandchallengingproject.

Initsuseofaccommodation,Hatfieldismorecellularandreliesmoreonformalcorridorsthan other innovative new Police buildings;andinfunctionalplanningtermsthisislikelyaconsequenceoftheneedtoretainthe historic buildings.

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OutcomeDespitethescaleofadjacentdevelopmentsHatfieldPoliceStation is recognisable as a civicbuilding.Tothefront,theassertive entrance and link block servesasausefulmarker;theprominentoverhangingroofandangled glazed walls draw attention to the new entrance. Though distinguished,therefurbishedlisted buildings remain low key. It is to the design team’s credit that the new link is a strong but not insensitivepartoftheensemble.

TothenorthofthisnewentrancetheoriginalhistoricpondandstonedetailingofferanelegantandpleasingapproachtotheformerDeHavillandofficebuilding.CommemorativeplinthsdedicatedtosignificantDeHavillandaircraftserveasaformalparade.Attherear the architects have introduced acurvedroofencompassingthecustody building that gives a contrast with the historic buildings.

Hatfieldisnotableforitscombinationofflairandthoughtfullyrealised,functionalplanning.ThePaneladvisedtheclient and design team on how toresolvecomplex,sometimesconflictingrequirements.Itgaveboth the client and the local planningauthoritytheconfidencetore-usethebuildingsandinsertsomething modern that could sit well within the historic buildings.

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“There are only benefits with making use of these processes, it focuses the bidders attention on quality design and highlights issues which people close to the project may often fail to see.”Philip Robinson: Head of Estates & Facilities, Cumbria Police

Alltheseprojectsshareanoperationalrequirementthatemergedfromanestatestrategy.AllreceivedinputfromtheHomeOfficeDesignPanelandallshareacommitment to sustainable design.

They tell us a good deal about successintherecentprocurementofPoliceprojectsandthewaysthatthePanelhavepositivelyinfluencedoutcomesthroughearlyengagementwiththepropertymanagers and their design teams.

Theprojectswerecompletedoveraperiodoffouryears.Hatfieldwasthefirstin2007,followedbyNorthKentin2008,Bodminin2009,and Carlisle in 2010. Over this periodthereisevidenceofideasbeing exchanged within the Police estates community and the Home Office,forexampleHertfordshire’sestateexperiencewassharedwith Devon and Cornwall. This is a successfulprocessofcollaborationandsupportthattheHomeOfficefacilitated.

Alsoapparentisthecontinuingeffectofchangeasabackdroptotheestatestrategy.ThefourbuiltprojectswereconceivedatatimeofForceexpansionandrelativeoptimism.Theyarenowoperatingduringaperiodofconsolidation and rationalisation. TheintroductionofthePCCsisanothernewfactorthatwillfurther

testthedurabilityofthePoliceForce estates.

NoneoftheexamplesisaPoliceheadquarters building. North Kent is the closest in vision anddesignation;butnowfindsitselfa‘satelliteHQ’,sharingkeycommandfunctionswiththeneighbouringForceofEssex.Thefactthatitsexcellenceandflexibilityasafacilityisinfluentialinattractingbothpersonnelandfunctionshasmeantthatthebuildingretainsamajorroleandfocus.Thisisoneofthemostpositivelessonsfromthebuiltprojects:eachfacilitycanbeoperationallysustainedthroughitsqualityasavaluedPolicepropertyasset.Thisbodeswellforthefuture.

Perhapsduetothischanginglandscapeeachbuildingisexemplifiedbyflexibility.Flexibilityintermsofpropertysolutions,flexibilityintermsofpotentialtoextend horizontally as in Bodmin and North Kent or vertically as with Durranhill,andflexibilityintermsoftheoperationallyusablespacewithin the buildings themselves. All buildingshavealsobeenadaptedtosuitoperationalandpersonnelrequirements.Communalspaceshavebeenpersonalised,storagearrangedandre-arranged,meetingrooms removed or changed.

FINDINGS

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Mostbuildingsappearedgenerously laid out in their use ofofficespaceanddeskspace.Insomecasesthiscompromisedeaseofcirculation,andareasforteammeetingsandinformaldiscussions were squeezed. However, it is also clear that Policeoperateinuniqueways.Someofficesseemedbusybutthe buildings as a whole were under-occupied.ThisisthenatureofPolicingandavirtueasitmeanslessoperationalpeoplebehind desks and more out in the community. However, Forces should question the requirements ofdifferentspaceusersandtestouthowmuchmorecompactsomeofthebuildingsandspacescould be.

Intermsofsustainabledesigntherearestillareasforimprovement.Allprojectshavesought excellence as sustainable architecture. However, the demandsofoperationaluseandcomplexaccommodationrequirements contribute towards variations in energy and running costsofthebuiltprojects.Managing building systems is asimportantasthebuildingconstruction.

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Workspace and Interiors

ThefourPolicebuildingsaremodern and demonstrate a commitmenttoefficientworkingpractices,flexibilityandteamwork.However,thegeneraldesignofworkspacesislessconvincing.Thequalityofinteriordesignofworkspacetendstodetractfromthefreshnessofapproachofthebuildings themselves.

The Estate Strategy and Procurement

Allprojectswereinfluencedbysophisticatedestatestrategies,oftenrelinquishingout-datedtowncentre Police stations and in some cases,subsidisingprojectcostthroughdisposalreceipts.

Sustainable Design

Unlike many buildings, Police buildingsoperatecontinuously-soenergy demands based on use can be higher overall.

Suggestions:

• Appointthedesignteamearlyintheprocess

• Pre-commissioningofdesignteamaheadofcontractorhelpsprotectdesign integrity

• Sharingknowledgefromestate strategies between theForceshaspowerfulbenefits

• Developamasterplanforthe site and services

Suggestions:

•Using energy managers canhelpnegotiateenergyreductions

• Carbon and energy performanceshouldbevisibletousers-forexamplevisualdisplays,such as at Bodmin

• Sustainable Design innovation is commendable, but actual performanceeffectsonday-to-dayrunningcostsneed to be understood

• Formalprocesses(BREEAM/DEC)shouldaccountfortheuniqueaspectsofPolice buildings

Suggestions:

• Benefitsofinnovationthroughbetterworkspacecan be conveyed through evidence/casestudiestoseniorOfficersandPCCs

• Projectarchitectsshouldhaveinfluenceoverfurniture,fittingsandequipment(FFE)contractsand their integration into thedesignconcept

•Design teams should alwaysincludeexperiencedworkspacedesigners

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Post Occupancy Evaluation

While anecdotal evidence is useful,suchastheseniorofficerwho chose to relocate based on thestrengthofthebuildingdesigndespitealongerjourneytowork,evidence based assessment such as POE, is still needed. One importantoutcomeofassessingthe case studies here is that not all benefitsareeasilycosted.

POEs should be a standard requirement, to a common templateandavailableonlinetoallForcesforcomparisonandinformation.POE’sshouldcontainrobustdatarelatingtostaffwell-being, recruitment and retention levels as these case studies have shownthatthisisamajorbenefitoftheinvestmentindesign.ForcesshouldfactorintotheirprogrammetheuseofPOEs.

Diversifying Public Services

AllfourprojectsdisplayedvaryingdegreesofshareduseinvolvingthehomeandadjoiningForces,andotherpublicuses.Theabilitytoflexiblyaccommodatedifferentusersislikelytoincreaseplacingdemandsontheadaptabilityofestates, buildings and users.

ThePanelwillcontinuetosupportForces through communicating bestpractice,benchmarking,andinnovation, but also ones that are practicalandbespokesolutions.Policeprojectsareincreasinglybeingprocuredthroughframeworkcontracts and the Panel will have an increased role in monitoring theirbenefits.

Suggestions:

• Thepotentialforsharedpublicservicesuseshouldbe examined

• Viabilityofsharedcirculation, access and use should be assessed at an early stage

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Whether by observation, anecdote orinterviewofusers,theevidencesuggeststhattheprocessofdesign review has markedly improvedallfourbuildingsfeaturedhere.Asaresultoftheprocesseachbuildingbetterreflectsamodern,openandefficientPoliceForce.

In short, when the Panel have been involved, the buildings work better and they look better.

Crucially, design review adds mostvaluewhenappliedearlytotheprocessbutisalsoeffectivewhenappliedatkeystagesintheprocurementandcompetitivedialogueprocess.Notableistheflexibility,functionalityandcoherenceofthebuildingsthathavebeenimprovedbythePanel.Ithasbenefittedeachproject,recognisingthattheoperation,efficiency,moraleandfutureuseofeachistiedtodesign.

Therequirementsofthesebuildings and the estates strategy need to be understood by decision makers. Involving key stakeholders, including townplanningintheprocess,helpsachievequickerstatutoryconsents.

Flexibility in how the Panel is deployedallowsleverageduringtheprocurementcycleandaddsvaluetotheproject.Mixingtheuseof‘informal’reviewwith‘formal’reviewreservedattheendofthepre-constructionprocess,canbettertieintoprocurementtimetables. Selecting architects beforeconstructionpartnersresultsinamoreevensharingofresponsibilityandhigherqualitydesign.

SpecialistinputaspartofthePanel,forexamplecustodyrequirementsandpublicrealmdesign, streamlines the whole designprocess.GreaterPanelinputtobenchmarkingandPOEcouldhelpprovidewiderlessonsand evidence.

InitsassessmentofschemesthePanellooksforqualityofthoughtandexecutionandnotforaparticularstyle,whichisamatterofpreference,orformulaforstandardisation.

At its best the design review process offers support for those doing good work. It objectivises aesthetic arguments, it cuts through the nitty-gritty and day-to-day of design to deliver reason and coherence. It is a valuable tool and produces results valued by its users.

CONCLUSION

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Acknowledgements

Better Police Buildings was conceived and written by Ben van Bruggen with guidance fromJohnHigginsoftheHomeOfficeGeneralProperty.Thecasestudies were visited, researched and written by Ben van Bruggen and Tony Whitehead.

WearegratefultoallthePoliceForces,theirpropertymanagers,architects and construction partnerswhohelpedandsupportedthecreationofthisdocument.

We would like to thank Bill Wallis, Ian Potter, Andrew Morris, Richard Bradley, andPhilipRobinsonfortheirassistance with the case studies.

We would also like to acknowledge theinputofTomJestico, Paul Mercer and John Jenkins.

List of Images

North Kent Police Station, images by McBains Cooper / Keith Collie Covertopmiddle,coverbottomleft,page6,page7,page9,page15,page16,page18,page19,page20,page21,page41top,page43.Planpage17,McBainsCooper.

North Cumbria Police HQ, images by Richard Mallinson, IBI Taylor Young. Covertopright,page8,page11,page12,page22,page24,page25,page26,page27,page41image2.Planpage23,IBITaylorYoung.

Bodmin Police Hub, images by Steve Townsend of Commercial Property Photography. Cover bottom middle, cover bottom right,page28,page30,page31,page32,page33,page41image3.Planpage29,StrideTreglown.

Hatfield Police Station, images by John Critchley. Covertopleft,page2,page34,page36,page37,page38,page39,page41bottom,page42.Planpage35,Vincent and Gorbing.

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LOCATION OF PROJECTS REVIEWED

Case StudyDurranhill

Case StudyHatfield

Case StudyNorth Kent

Case StudyBodmin

Location/identifyingnumberofPoliceFacility

Location/identifyingnumberofCaseStudy

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LIST AND DATES OF PROJECTS REVIEWED

14. Bracknell Police Station-1Review:14/03/2007(onsite)15. Devonport Police Station-3Reviews:1)12/04/2007(onsite)2)02/05/20073)29/09/2008(onsite)16. North Tyneside Area HQ-1Review:10/08/2007(onsite)17. Durranhill Basic Command Unit(CaseStudy)-2Reviews:1)21/08/20072)10/10/2007(onsite)18. Northampton Criminal Justice Centre-2Reviews:1)10/06/2008(onsite)2)06/10/200819. Two Counties (Norfolk and Suffolk) PFI -4Reviews:1)14/07/2008(preliminary)2)11/12/20083)15/01/20094)28/05/201020. Scientific Support Unit Wakefield Yorkshire-2Reviews:1)01/08/2008(onsite)2)11/09/200821. Greater Manchester HQ-2Reviews:1)17/09/2008(onsite)2)14/07/200922. Market Drayton Police Station-1Review:26/11/200823. Hindlip Hall Justice Park & Gatehouse-1Review(foreach):26/11/200824. Wirral Area Command Centre -1Review:16/04/200925. Gloucestershire PFI-5Reviews:1)29/06/20092)14/09/20093)10/11/20094)18/12/20095)17/06/2010

Police Facilities:1. Lancaster Police Station 2-1Review:02/03/20052. Stevenage Police Station-1Review:12/05/2005(onsite)3. Warwickshire Motorway Depot / Deployment-1Review:20/05/20054. North Kent PFI (Case Study) -2Reviews:1)20/05/20052)31/08/20055. Dorset PFI-1Review:17/10/20056. Warwickshire Police HQ -2Reviews:1)01/11/2005(onsite)2)20/12/20057. Cambourne Projects Cambridgeshire-3Reviews:1)18/11/2005(onsite)2)19/01/20073)19/06/2007(withWestViewHQ)8. Cardiff Bay Police Station Wales-1Review:29/11/2005(onsite)9. Hatfield Police Station (CaseStudy)-1Review:30/11/2005(onsite)10. Bournemouth Custody Suite Dorset-1Review:17/01/2006(onsite)11. Bodmin Police Hub (CaseStudy)-3Reviews:1)07/06/2006(onsite)2)02/08/20063)07/09/200612. Southampton Operational Command Unit-2Reviews:1)27/09/2006(onsite)2)20/11/200713. Bury Divisional HQ -1Review:27/11/2006(onsite)

26. Northumbria Police Master Plan-2Reviews:1)09/07/20082)05/09/200827. Newcastle Area Command HQ -2Reviews:1)09/12/2009(onsite)2)29/10/201028. Hull Divisional HQ-2Reviews:1)08/02/2010(onsite)2)28/04/201029. Harrogate Police Station-2Reviews:1)22/03/2010(onsite)2)22/04/201030. Cleveland Police HQ-2Reviews:1)08/11/20102)18/03/201131. West Yorkshire PFI -3Reviews:1)12/11/20102)07/03/20113)30/06/201132. Avon and Somerset PFI-3Reviews:1)27-28/01/20112)10/06/20113)01/08201133. Durham Police HQ-1Review:30/09/201134. Gloucester Custody-2Reviews:1)02/04/20122)30/05/201235. Exeter HQ-2Reviews:1)14-15/12/2009(onsite)2)11/01/20113)20/11/201236. Barrow in Furness Police Station-1Review:26/02/13(onsite)

HO_01028_G

September 2013ISBN 978-1-78246-235-4

ForinformationandtoengagetheservicesoftheHomeOfficeDesignPanelcontact;

Chris Ollier HomeOfficeGeneralProperty

02070350162 [email protected]

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