Herts Police £50m 'state-of-the-art' HQ plan approved

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council granted full planning permission yesterday (Tuesday June 28) for police headquarter buildings described as in “dire need of modernisation” to be replaced with a new state-of-the-art site.

The main building work in Stanborough Road, which has been in the pipeline since 2017, is set to start in September next year and expected to take around two years.

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Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said: “The current building has reached the end of its economic lifespan and is in dire need of modernisation.

Current police HQ

“On a business level it is more cost effective in the medium and long term to replace the building.

“The rejuvenation of the HQ building is just one part of the estates strategy which is committed to retaining, and expanding, front line police stations across the county for local communities.”

One of the biggest reasons for the redevelopment, which is believed to cost in the region of £50million, is to maintain staff health and wellbeing.

More than 600 staff are expected to work across the site, which will also provide a new base for Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue.

this cgi was released showing what the new building could look like

Police highlight that, even without redevelopment, an estimated £15million would need to be spent on a backlog of necessary repairs to the existing site.

Hertfordshire Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “While we have been waiting for planning permission, extensive work has been taking place behind the scenes to get us ready for the demolition and building phases, including organising the relocation of various departments while the works are ongoing.

“Securing planning permission means we can now drive forward with this exciting project, which will provide a modern headquarters that is fit for purpose and much more efficient to run.”

this cgi was released showing what the new building could look like

Prior to the formal planning application being submitted, a local consultation was conducted last year to give residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say on the plans.

The development will be funded through long-term borrowing, a spokesperson for Mr Lloyd's office said.

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