After a little publicity, including Twitter, WMP is embarking on building a 'super custody block' with sixty cells @ Bromford Lane, Oldbury - a "brownfield site". The price is £26.3 million, for two blocks.
In comparison:
Quote:
South Yorkshire Police is planning to spend £18 million on a new Police Investigation Centre (PIC).....Gloucestershire Constabulary is planning to build a 50-cell suite to replace outdates suites in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud. The suite will cost £12.4m.
The PCC website has two supporting statements and related documents:http://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/media/181826/wmpcc_006_2012_new_custody_facilities.pdf and http://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/news/2013-news/pcc-pleased-at-approval-for-custody-plans/
The basic plans shown on Sandwell's website indicate a very simple layout of the cells, with no obvious extra facilities: showers, doctors room etc.