Further doubt has been cast on the future of Dundee’s police headquarters after plans were published for a 20-cell ‘mobile custody unit’.
A £500million cash injection has been earmarked as part of a decade-long masterplan to transform Scotland’s ageing police estate.
Tayside is considered a “priority area” by Police Scotland and as previously revealed by The Courier, a move from West Bell Street has been considered.
The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) – the governing body for policing in Scotland – is now testing the market for a potential buyer of a ‘mobile custody unit’.
No information has been provided on its location but the force hopes it will include 20 custody cells, two charge bars, a virtual court room, a medical room, showers and office space.
Custody suite ‘requires significant investment’
The details emerged through a Prior Information Notice (PIN) on the national tendering platform Public Contracts Scotland.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “In November 2024, the Scottish Police Authority endorsed the Police Scotland Estates Masterplan which is a 10-year programme which aims to create a modern, fit for purpose estate that will better serve communities and the Police Scotland workforce.
“Tayside has been identified as a priority area.
“As part of the planning process, potential solutions for West Bell Street in Dundee, along with the wider Tayside area, are being considered.”
The spokesperson added: “West Bell Street custody, although fully operational and compliant, is an older estate which requires significant investment or replacement.
“Our Estates team are exploring options for custody solutions while the wider Masterplan work progresses in Tayside and across the estate.
“No final decisions have been made at this time.”
£245m repair bill
In July 2023, a joint inspection by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) highlighted challenges with the “unconventional” layout of Dundee’s custody suite.
Issues with the booking-in process were also noted but the inspection was an improvement from 2018 where “significant concerns” were raised over hygiene.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland previously told the SPA that Police Scotland could “co-locate” with other authorities.
Officers and staff in Forfar moved into Angus Council’s headquarters after the town’s police station shut.
ACC Sutherland said: “The current repair bill to simply meet the standards that we require (in Police Scotland buildings) is in the region of £245m as we sit today.
“Doing nothing is not an option as this repair bill will only grow and our buildings will get older.”
Police Scotland has already announced plans to close the annexe office building at West Bell Street.
