Archive store and Blumlein building

This high security project, procured under the West Midlands Contractor Framework, involved the dismantling of an existing dome to form space for a new central storage unit – the Sir Bernard Lovell Building – for post-trial records on behalf of a large regional police force.

The site of the new storage facility was built on a former airfield that housed a number of ‘golf ball’ structures called Radomes – weatherproof enclosures that are designed to protect radar antennas, one of which was demolished as part of the contracted works.

In order for the building to have minimal impact on adjacent Grade I landscape, and to help maintain a stable environment inside to protect equipment and records, both stores were built with block walls using Gabion cage facing and a curved sedum roof. The stores utilise ambient temperature and humidity conditions to ensure an ideal environment for document storage with the final building meeting the BREEAM Very Good standard.

During the excavation works, an old runway light was unearthed, which was fully restored to working order and is now displayed in the new facility.

Separately, the team was also contracted to undertake a refurbishment of the CID headquarters – the Blumlein building – a single storey remodel, refurbishment and extension, alongside external works. The project included construction of a new entrance and reception, raised access flooring, new M&E, remodelled offices, refurbished toilets and associated facilities, installation of new data units and specialist IT system and car parking facilities.

Both contracts were undertaken within a live environment and Speller Metcalfe worked stringently to ensure sensitivity of the site was maintained by the site team.