Willmott Dixon has started work on a £14 million net-zero carbon policing facility in Crewe for Cheshire Constabulary, expanding its portfolio of blue light projects across the UK.

The Crewe Deployment Base, designed by Corstorphine and Wright and procured via Procurement Hub, will consolidate several police departments into a single operational hub. The building will accommodate around 300 staff and operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, supporting policing across the local area, strategic road network and Crewe town centre.

Construction has now begun following a site event attended by Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price and Connor Naismith MP, marking the formal start of works.

Net-zero operational design

The new facility has been designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCIO), aligning with sustainability objectives set out in the Cheshire Police and Crime Plan. A fabric-first approach underpins the design, alongside a range of low-carbon construction and environmental measures.

These include permeable paving, rainwater harvesting systems and the incorporation of a green wall, aimed at reducing operational energy demand and improving environmental performance over the building’s lifecycle.

The project is scheduled for completion in early 2027 and represents a significant investment in Cheshire’s policing estate.

Blue light estate investment

Mike Poole-Sutherland, North West Director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“We are proud to play our part in ensuring Cheshire officers have the modern facilities and the very best support to provide the most efficient police service for the area.

We also want to leave a legacy beyond bricks and mortar and will be supporting the Cheshire economy by using local businesses and creating local employment opportunities whenever possible during construction.”

Dan Price, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said:

“Modern policing needs modern infrastructure. This net-zero project in Crewe delivers on my commitment to modernise our policing estate, creating a smarter, sustainable working environment for officers.”

Mark Roberts QPM, Chief Constable at Cheshire Constabulary, added:

“This is a further positive development in bringing our estate up to date following the opening of our new station at Wilmslow. It’s important that our officers, staff and the public have a modern police station in Crewe which is ideally placed to support the wider area.”

Procurement and local impact

Andrew Peck, Senior Client Relationship Manager at Procurement Hub, said the project highlights the role of compliant procurement routes in the blue light sector, adding:

“The knowledge that has been obtained from a procurement perspective enables early engagement for police constabularies, enabling projects to be delivered on time and on budget.”

Alongside delivery of the facility, Willmott Dixon and its supply chain partners will support local employment, apprenticeships and T-Level placements, and engage with nearby schools and colleges as part of wider social value commitments.