Lewisham's new police station 'topped out' by the MPA

77/02
17 July 2002

A traditional 'topping out' ceremony took place today for new operational police buildings in Lewisham heralding another major step for the Metropolitan Police Authority towards its goal to provide the Metropolitan Police Service with modern facilities for 21st century policing.

The new buildings include an new police station, accommodation for the Serious Crime Group South which includes four Major Investigation Teams and stabling facilities for 24 horses of the MPS Mounted Branch. The complex is part of a Private Finance Initiative signed by the MPA in October 2001 for the design, build and operation of new police stations and sector bases in South East London.

The ceremony was attended by Ian Blair, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Catherine Crawford, Clerk of the MPA and Nicholas Long, an Independent Member of the Authority.

Commenting on the Lewisham project, Nicholas Long, who leads for the Authority on estate issues, said:

"This latest phase in the MPA's South East London PFI project provides Lewisham's police with the modern facilities they urgently need to carry out their work and is to be welcomed as a great contribution towards the MPA Estate Strategy for the modernisation of police buildings in London.

"The Authority's overall aim is to provide modern facilities worthy of our staff, which will undoubtedly contribute to overall effectiveness as they perform their duties."

The PFI includes the supply of staff and delivery of services associated with custody and suspect processing (civilian gaolers), front desk or station reception officers and selected support services, including the storage of uniforms and special equipment, the prisoners property store, typists and tape summarisers.

Notes to editors

1. A 'topping out' ceremony involves the positioning of the highest stone of a new building.

2. The South East London PFI is the second major PFI project to be taken forward by the MPA. The 25 year contract was awarded to Equion plc (formerly known as Laing Hyder plc) and is valued at £120 million, of which Lewisham totals approximately £30 million. For further details please see MPA press release 82-2001 of 29 October 2001.

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