Graham secures contract for Northern Ireland forensic science facility

Graham has been awarded a £69.7m (€81.4m) contract to deliver a new forensic science facility for the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland, providing 10,400 square metres of office and laboratory space for Forensic Science Northern Ireland at the Seapark complex in Carrickfergus.

Construction News reported that the scheme, known as Project Atlas, will comprise a three-storey building with full roof-level plant area and ancillary buildings, alongside associated site works on a split-level plot within a shared operational Police Service of Northern Ireland complex. Hamilton Architects has been appointed as project architect.

Graham beat four other bidders to secure the contract following appointment in September 2025 to advance the detailed design and construction phase. The initial estimated project value was £51m (€59.5m) but has since increased by £18.7m (€21.8m), representing a 37% rise in scope or specification.

Work is planned to commence at the end of the 2025/26 financial year following an initial six-month detailed design period. Graham's contract includes three years of aftercare services following completion of the facility, ensuring operational performance during the initial occupation phase.

Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed progress on the scheme during a visit to FSNI in September last year, stating the project would ensure staff could work in modern, fit-for-purpose office and laboratory accommodation to support delivery of forensic services to the criminal justice system.

The £1.06bn (€1.24bn) turnover contractor will deliver the facility within the established Seapark site, which already provides operational capacity for justice and policing functions in Northern Ireland. The three-storey configuration reflects requirements for specialist laboratory environments alongside administrative and support functions.

View complete technical specifications and delivery timeline for the forensic science facility in the complete article.