Melksham custody unit reopens after £3.7 million refurb

The Melksham custody suite closed in late February last year for a refurbishment.

Since then, all Wiltshire Police detainees have been processed at Gablecross in Swindon.

The project was hit by delays, with the work originally due to be completed by last October, but after nearly 15 months the facility has now been officially reopened.

During this time, works were completed to make the site “fit for the 21st century.”

These include newly refreshed cells with Qibla pointers for Muslim detainees, autism-friendly colour schemes, and higher security observation doors for detainee and staff safety. 

READ MORE: Custody suite to be closed for 8 months as £3.7m revamp begins

The custody suite has undergone a major renovation (Image: Newsquest)

An improved air lock and alarm system have also been installed for better security, while a refresh of the custody desk included wider and taller screens enabling privacy and soundproofing.

Mechanical and electrical system upgrades have also been installed to help deal with increasing demand.

Wiltshire Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “I am delighted to have Melksham custody open again.   

“The importance of a fit-for-purpose custody facility, which supports the safety and welfare of our detainees, officers, and staff, cannot be underestimated.    

“There is a significant level of risk managed within any custody suite both from an investigative and welfare perspective, so these improvements will help us deliver on our commitment ‘Keeping Wiltshire Safe’."  

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson approved the £3.7 million investment into the custody suite and added that additional planned refurbishments were completed during the closure.

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He said: “Investment to ensure a safer environment for all and to future-proof police facilities and estate is necessary to ensure Wiltshire Police can continue to provide the best policing service it can to our communities.  

“As with any building works, challenges arose which meant the building remained closed for longer than originally anticipated.

“But we were able to use this opportunity to bring forward additional planned refurbishment options into this phase removing the need for further closures.”

PCC Wilkinson believes the modernisation of the facility will benefit the force.

He added: “Wiltshire Police now has a custody suite which is fit for the 21st century, meets Home Office compliance advice as well as HMICFRS inspection criteria.

“This in turn will help to improve future Wiltshire Police PEEL reports and overall custody standards.  

“Modern custodial facilities will improve detainee safety and enable better evidence collection opportunities to inform investigations and charge outcomes.

“I am confident that all areas of Wiltshire’s policing will reap the benefits of this refurbishment project.”