The cost of the new Police/court building is expected to rise due to the introduction of PACE powers, Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess revealed yesterday.

Mr. Burgess told a press conference the contractor had to make changes to its drawings to accommodate the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, which reforms the way the Police Service operates.

The whole Policing process is being modernised through PACE, encouraging the service to make better use of technology, and enforcing improved new standards of care and facilities.

Mr. Burgess could not say yesterday how much the cost would go up, but said the $70 million project was on budget at this point.

"Let me say here that as the project has continued, the contractor has received approval to make changes in a number of areas where the drawings for the new building have been found to be incomplete or deficient or where changes have been required as a result of major new legislation like the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, commonly known as PACE," he said.

"It is our expectation that these changes will lead to an unanticipated increase in cost of the project, although every measure is being taken to keep that increase to the lowest possible percentage."

Providing an update on the controversial project in Court Street and Church Street, Mr. Burgess said a roof wetting ceremony is scheduled for November 23, and the building would be handed over in September next year. He has previously stated delays mean the scheme will not be completed until early 2011.

The new building will house Hamilton Police Station, five new courts, other sections of the Bermuda Police Service, other Government ministries and other Government departments.

Mr. Burgess said: "The allocation of the non-Police, non-courts space in the new building is in its final stages; consultation with potential occupants is ongoing with respect to fit-out and related matters."

Earlier this year, a Police investigation was launched after so-called false cheques were discovered made out to "Dr. E. Brown" and "D. Burgess" in what the Premier and Mr. Burgess claim was an attempt to make it seem like they received kickbacks over the project.

Asked whether he'd been given an update on the investigation yesterday, Mr. Burgess said it was a question for the Governor to answer.