Client’s Requirements

Silcock Leedham was appointed by Turner & Townsend Project Management to develop an enhanced performance specification for the building services requirements for West Yorkshire Police’s new bespoke 7500m2 building to house a flagship Scientific Support Unit (SSU).

The new building was to accommodate high specification forensic facilities, DNA laboratories including specialist clean rooms and equipment, a fingerprinting bureau, forensics including SOCO control and Intelligence departments.  The bespoke building would also house an imaging unit for both photographic and video media image processing and enhancement sections.

Following appointment of the main contractor, Wates Construction, Silcock Leedham was engaged to complete the detailed design.

Silcock Leedham’s Contribution

Silcock Leedham completed the enhanced performance specification to RIBA Stage D for the design and then was appointed to do the detailed design by Wates Construction.

Added Value / Unique Selling Points

One of the Police’s key requirements for the project was that the building would be based on sustainable design and construction.  Silcock Leedham worked closely with the client and design team to define the sustainable requirements.  The resulting design included solar shading to assist with maximising natural day lighting and the use of a water cooled, ground source heat pump.  The design principles enabled the client to have a low carbon building that was very energy efficient. 

The introduction of this technology allowed the Client to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good.’