The centre, located on the banks of the Tay, is the first of its kind to be built in Scotland for almost 15 years.

Ownership of the building was signed over to the SPSA by developers Unicorn Property Group and the organisation is now making preparations for its official opening in June.

The facility will be home to the DNA database, biology and chemistry laboratories and fingerprint and scene examination units previously housed in converted office space at Tayside Police HQ.

Tom Nelson, director of SPSA Forensic Services, said this was an “exciting time” for the organisation.

He added, “This is a major milestone in the project’s development and we can now begin to relocate all laboratory equipment and staff to the new facility.

“The new facility will provide our forensic experts with a working environment that fits their specific needs and is adaptable to changing demands.

“Much work has been done to ensure the final result is fit for purpose and inspires the individuals who are tackling crime in the 21st Century and beyond.”

However, he insisted the relocation would be a “complex task”.

He said, “It has taken many months of planning and preparation. It is our intention to undertake a period of phased occupation to the new facility and we expect to have the building fully operational in late spring.”

Evening Telegraph - 22 February 2010