Police custody cells in Nottingham city centre could be turned into new homes

Crime Commissioner: 'Negotiations are well advanced'

A custody suite in the heart of Nottingham city centre is likely to be transformed into residential rather than student flats.

The Bridewell custody suite, which has been in the city since the mid-90s and sits next to Nottingham magistrates' court is to be closed down.

A new £17.8m custody suite will be built in Radford Road on the former gas works site, closer to Radford Road police station.

Police believe having a 50-cell custody suite at the old Basford Gas Works site will increase the amount of officers in the area.

It has also been said that the Bridewell custody suite is old and decaying and will cost more money to maintain than to build a brand new one

Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said the force, which owns the building, has been marketing the site and a deal is close to being struck.

He told Nottinghamshire Live: "I am delighted that Radford Road custody suite is on track on finance and timetable.

"There is a real interest in selling the Bridewell to a potential buyer but the deal is not struck yet but negotiations are well advanced."

He said the building is likely to be refurbished rather than torn down and transformed into "residential accommodation of some kind."

He said original interest had been for student flats but this is not part of the proposal.

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Chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police, Craig Guildford said: "It will get sold. I am confident and we intend to sell it very soon.

"In all likelihood it will be to a developer. I think it will be converted. I don't think they will knock it down. It will cost too much money but you never know."

He said flats could be created on the site, but there was interest for a hotel.

He added: "I think the most sensible thing would be houses for people because it is near the city and it is central."

The new custody suite in Radford Road is on target to be built by Christmas 2020 and opened in March 2021.

The Bridewell will then close after the move has happened.