The new multi-million pound police station was officially opened during a visit from a government minister.

Hertfordshire Constabulary's plush premises on George Street, Watford, means officers are "literally seconds away" from the community they serve, according to Chief Constable Charlie Hall.

It marks the seventh premises in the town since the force was founded in 1841, and replaces the Shady Lane station in operation from 1940 to 2023 that is no longer "fit for purpose" and required "costly maintenance".

Watford Observer: Watford Police's new station on George Street is now literally seconds away from the town centre.Watford Police's new station on George Street is now literally seconds away from the town centre. (Image: Newsquest)

Watford Observer: Inside Watford's new police station.Inside Watford's new police station. (Image: Newsquest)

The event was attended by police and crime commissioner David Lloyd, chief constable Charlie Hall, Watford mayor Peter Taylor, Watford Tory MP Dean Russell and the policing minister Chris Philp.

Ch Cons Hall, speaking at the grand opening on Friday, said: "We recognise how important police visibility is all across the county, including here in Watford, and the location of this police station is only going to further improve that.

"Our move to George Street – which is closer to the town centre – means our teams now have a modern and economical base to work from, and most importantly it ensures that we continue to provide a continuity of service to Watford’s residents, businesses and visitors’

Watford Observer: The station was officially opened by Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss at a ceremony on February 9.The station was officially opened by Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss at a ceremony on February 9. (Image: Hertfordshire Police)

Watford Observer: Inside Watford's new police station.Inside Watford's new police station. (Image: Newsquest)Watford Observer: The layout of Watford's new police station.The layout of Watford's new police station. (Image: Newsquest)

The George Street site was bought by the force for £6.1 million in 2021, while the Shady Lane location was sold to developer McLaren Living, which announced plans for a 300-home "mixed-use neighbourhood".

Watford MP Dean Russell, who helped secure funding for the new station, said: "Following a number of years of campaigning and supporting the work of the local police and police and crime commissioner, David Lloyd, I was pleased to see the new police station for Watford formally opened today."

Watford Observer: Watford's new police station on George Street.Watford's new police station on George Street. (Image: Newsquest)Watford Observer: The event was attended by Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Watford MP Dean Russell and Policing Minister Chris Philp (L-R).The event was attended by Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Watford MP Dean Russell and Policing Minister Chris Philp (L-R). (Image: MP Dean Russell)

He added: "This key location, close to the High Street, will not only provide residents with a central space to talk with the police but will also allow for easy foot patrols, while being close to the ring road, enabling a rapid vehicle response. This is a really important delivery for our town and is part of a wider programme of work for community policing."

On the ground floor visitors are welcomed by a front public-facing office, while an open-plan office space spans the entirety of the first floor, with specific areas for different teams such as the Local Crime Unit. The second floors houses a hot-desking space for out-of-town staff, desks for the Operational Support Group, break-room, reflection room and a conference space. There is even a nod to the history of the force with artefacts like the Sandy Lane sign, witness box from the old courthouse, as well as an art-deco light fitting and clock from one of the court rooms.

Mr Lloyd, police and crime commissioner, said: ‘The opening of this new station 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. 

Watford Observer: The conference room at Watford's new police station.The conference room at Watford's new police station. (Image: Newsquest)

Watford Observer: The force kept a witness box from the magistrates' court on Clarendon Road.The force kept a witness box from the magistrates' court on Clarendon Road. (Image: Newsquest)Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss said: “I was delighted to open Watford’s new police station in George Street today, as one of my predecessors Sir George Burns did in Shady Lane 45 years ago. As policing has changed over the last four decades, it is so important that the largest and most populated town in the county has a modern and efficient police station fit for purpose whilst also being accessible to the community. The new premises in George Street are just that and allow the policing of Watford to be very much 21st century.”

Watford Observer: A clock from the old Shady Lane magistrates' court.A clock from the old Shady Lane magistrates' court. (Image: Newsquest)

Watford Observer: The station is decorated with photos celebrating the borough police force's history.The station is decorated with photos celebrating the borough police force's history. (Image: Newsquest)

At the ceremony, the force awarded medals to staff involved in the transition to the new premises and a young hero. Lawrence Jacob, five, son of PCSO Steve Jacob, was the first one to raise the alarm after a retired Chief Inspector collapsed at an event for current and retired police officers on December 2. The retired officer has since made a full recovery, and was able to attend the opening ceremony event today to thank Lawrence in person.

Watford Observer: Lawrence Jacob, 5, was honoured by Herts Police after he helped save a retired police officer in a medical emergency.Lawrence Jacob, 5, was honoured by Herts Police after he helped save a retired police officer in a medical emergency. (Image: Hertfordshire Police)