Blue Light Partnership Preferred Bidder for £129 million PFI Project

The Blue Light Partnership, comprising Miller Construction and Bilfinger Berger Project Investments, have been named as preferred bidder for the £129 million Avon and Somerset Police Accommodation PFI Project.

The project comprises the development of four new facilities at Portishead, Bristol Patchway, Keynsham and Bridgwater. The contract also includes responsibility for maintaining the buildings for 25 years.

In addition to supplying project investment, Miller Construction has been appointed principal contractor.

Chris Webster, Chief Executive, Miller Construction, said: “We are delighted to have received preferred bidder status for the Avon and Somerset Police Accommodation PFI Project. We have a successful track record in the delivery of PPP projects across the UK where our expertise in assisting public partners to finance projects covers a variety of markets.

“In addition to our role as a funding partner we are also pleased to announce that our Midlands and South West region will undertake the construction of these new facilities. We look forward to further strengthening our presence in the South West as a leading contractor and partner of choice for PPP projects. Our teams have a successful track record in ‘Bluelight’ projects including Bristol Civil Justice Centre and the award winning North Tyneside Area Command Headquarters.

“We will continue to work closely with the Avon and Somerset team and once the process is complete we will be quickly mobilising the build programme. Early in 2011 we held an open day for local subcontractors in order to establish a potential local supply chain. We are looking forward to progressing some of these initial conversations, which in turn could deliver economic and sustainable benefits for the local business community.”

The overall project includes a Somerset Operations Base which will be home to a Custody and Crime Investigation Centre, Specialist Operations and an Enquiry Office; a Custody and Crime Investigation Centre and Police Station in Patchway; a Custody and Crime Investigation Centre in Keynsham and a Tri-force Indoor Firearms Training Centre for Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire police forces, near Portishead.

Avon and Somerset Police Authority Deputy Chair Cllr Claire Gordon said: “This is a good news story for Avon and Somerset.

“It has been a long journey, and I am delighted that in approving the business case, the Home Office and Treasury have recognised the strength of these proposals and the value for money they will deliver.

“This project has met many tests for being affordable and cost effective for taxpayers and will provide many jobs for the local area.”

Miller Construction anticipates commencing construction in summer 2012 with the buildings being open from 2014.