28 Feb 2022
On Thursday, 24 February, PCC Dafydd Llywelyn visited Dafen, Llanelli to view the site of the new Carmarthenshire Custody Suite and Policing Hub as construction work begins on the new build.
Planning permission was granted to the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner by Carmarthenshire County Council back in April 2021 for the proposed development, which is to be an ambitious sustainable construction, with a BREEAM excellence rating.
However, the planning permission included a number of conditions which had to be met before construction work could begin.
Wilmott Dixon, who are the Construction Contractor have been on site since autumn preparing for the first construction phases, with specific progress now beginning made on the development, that aims to be completed by May 2023.
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said; “This is a major investment for us which will see an ambitious, modern, sustainable fit for purpose policing hub and custody suite that will meet the needs and expectations of modern policing and I’m pleased to confirm that construction work has recently begun.
“I’ve worked extremely hard with partners over recent years to ensure that we get to this position and it was great to be on site in Dafen to see the progress being made by the construction company.
“During the planning application process between 2020 and 2021, we engaged widely with the local community, and as the construction work develops over coming months we will look to invite local community representatives to the site, for a briefing on this fantastic development that will support us in ensuring that Dyfed-Powys Police has a fit for purpose facility in Carmarthenshire.”
In being a BREEAM related development, the new build will offer a more sustainable environment, that aims to enhance the well-being of the people who work within it, and help protect natural resources.
Amongst some of the sustainable credentials of the new build will be a photovoltaic solar power installation to minimise the carbon footprint of the building; a rainwater harvesting facility for toilets and non-potable water, and electric car charging facilities.
Chief Inspector Richard Hopkin, Dyfed-Powys Police’s operational lead on the new build, said: “We feel very fortunate to be having a new build custody suite and hub coming to Llanelli.
“Our current Llanelli estate is old, so to see a new build that is being designed with such consideration for the environment and the wellbeing of our staff and the community within which it sits is really positive.
“The development will provide a fit for purpose, future proof solution which will complement the town centre Neighbourhood Police Team base. This is a huge step forward for the project and brings us significantly closer to the delivery of the new facility.
ENDS
Further information:
Gruff Ifan
Policy and Engagement Advisor
Gruffudd.ifan@dyfed-powys.police.uk
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn at construction site of new Carmarthenshire Custody Suite and Policing Hub, in Dafen Llanelli.
