Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has started work on a 16-month scheme to refurbish Stechford Police Station in Birmingham.

This is the first major refurbishment of the building since it was opened in the 1970s and involves creating additional parking, upgrading safety and security systems, modernising office and meeting facilities, upgrading refreshment and toilet areas, providing a bespoke locker room, new victim care facilities, and an expansion to the public contact office, as well as new lift installations to make the whole building fully accessible.

It is the second project that Henry Brothers Construction is currently undertaking for West Midlands Police Authority, and follows start on site last month for a £9 million refurbishment at Wolverhampton Police Station.

Both were awarded to Henry Brothers Construction under the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment Framework.

MD of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said:

“As a company that regularly works with blue light clients, Henry Brothers Construction is very pleased to have been appointed on this scheme to improve Stechford Police Station. Better facilities will help West Midlands police to provide vital services for the local community and the people who live there, and we are proud to be playing a part in making that happen.”

The police station will remain open and fully operational throughout the building work.

Henry Brothers Construction will employ local people including apprentices, ploughing money back into the local economy.

Cash for the £8 million critical works comes from West Midlands Police Authority making better use of its estate, reducing energy consumption and other cost savings that have made the authority more efficient and more effective, such as the introduction of robotics to automate administrative processes including artificial intelligence to answer all non-emergency calls.

The refurbishment will deliver better conditions for victims and witnesses, provide officers with a modern workplace, and safeguard the long-term future of the building.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford, said:

“These essential works represent a major investment in policing in east Birmingham and this building. Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy."

“Stechford has one of the busiest public contact offices in the West Midlands. That’s why the work will see that part of the building expanded to increase the waiting area and counter space.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said:

“I am pleased that we have secured the long-term future of Stechford police station through this vital investment. This is a clear indication of my commitment to neighbourhood policing, to ensure officers and staff have the facilities they need, to provide the public with an effective and efficient police service."

“By modernising the police station, we are not only improving working conditions for our hard-working police officers and staff but also enhancing the service we provide to victims of crime and the wider community."

“This investment is part of my wider strategy, to ensure that West Midlands Police is fit for policing in the 21st century, with an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, based in the communities it serves – preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.”

Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out.

In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.