Scotland's new £82 million crime campus came a step closer today as the contract for the first phase of building work was awarded to Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd.

Work on the first phase, which will begin later this month, is expected to be completed in February 2011 with the aim of the campus being operational in 2012.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Today's announcement shows that progress on getting Scotland's first crime campus is now at an impressive pace, as is our wider fight against serious organised crime. The more we are able to share information, the more potential connections we can make that could help shut down opportunities for organised crime. That capability will be enhanced further by all these relevant agencies being situated under one roof.

"I am delighted that the impressive plans for this new campus are now being turned into something tangible and I look forward to visiting the site in the next few weeks to see the progress being made.


"As a direct result of this contract, Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd will work with North Lanarkshire Council to achieve wider community benefits within the area. This will include providing work experience opportunities for 14-16 year old and targeted apprenticeships for school leavers."

The Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh is a major construction project that will house Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, Scottish Police Services Authority Forensic Service (Glasgow), Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service, HM Revenue & Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency under one roof.

The campus was originally intended to house 800 people, but is now expected to accommodate over 1,100 staff.

This is the first of three contracts to provide the crime campus. The contract also includes preventative measures to ensure that any security sub-contractor is a member of the Security Industry Authority's Approved Contractor Scheme. The total value of the project is £82 million.

Sir Robert McAlpine are a major contributor to the Scottish Construction Industry and have listed more than 70 sub-contractors who will work on the project, across a number of disciplines, the majority of which are Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are likely to benefit from this award. They were one of seven companies to tender for the first of three construction packages.

(GK)