Watford Police Station is set to relocate to a modern building in the town centre.

A planning application has been submitted to Watford Borough Council to move the station from its current home in Shady Lane to a building in George Street.

It seeks permission to use the building as a police station rather than the previous office use.

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hertfordshire, and Hertfordshire Constabulary have agreed to buy the three-storey building, on the condition planning permission is given for its change of use.

If it is successful, work will be undertaken internally to make the property fit for use, with it expected to open in a year’s time.

The PCC says the new premises would ensure that officers remain in Watford following the planned closure of the current station.

Mr Lloyd, who signed off the purchase this week, said: “This is a positive step for those living and working in Watford. It also ensures officers and staff will benefit from having modern fit-for-purpose facilities in this new station.

“Throughout this process it has been crucial to find a suitable property which maintains a police station in the town centre.

“The location means it is close to the High Street ensuring officer foot patrols can be conducted easily, while it is also close to the ring road enabling a rapid vehicle response.

“The new site also has provision for a front counter service to be maintained. It will also mean more environmentally friendly measures can be installed such as charging points for electric vehicles.”

The current station in Shady Lane

The search for a station was undertaken several years ago as police say the current building has reached the end of its economic life with high maintenance costs and it is no longer fit for modern policing needs.

Once the move is agreed, the PCC says ways of disposing of the Shady Lane site will be explored to ensure the maximum amount of money is generated to enable it to be put back into policing in Hertfordshire.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said the facilities at the current police station “no longer meet the requirements of a modern police service”.

“This move presents the force with many exciting opportunities”, he said.

“The location of the new station is also ideal and will ensure that we maintain our strong visible presence in the town and surrounding areas.”

A total of 120 homes and offices have been proposed for the police station site in Shady Lane as part of the Watford Local Plan.

You can see the planning application by clicking here