Cleveland Police could have a modern purpose-built headquarters under proposals now being considered by the Police Authority. After examining a number of potential sites over recent years, the Authority and Force have now earmarked Hemlington Grange in Middlesbrough as the best option—and, if the plans go ahead, the new building could be ready for use by 2013.
Artists impressions of how the new Cleveland Police Headquarters
may look at Hemlington Grange, Middlesbrough
A report on the plans will be considered by Police Authority members next Wednesday (November 10th) and, if they give the go ahead, over the coming weeks there will be programme of consultation with local people in the Ladgate Lane and Hemlington Grange areas, local councillors—and staff.
Authority Chair Councillor Dave McLuckie, says that the key to making the move will be gaining planning permission for part of the current headquarters site at Ladgate Lane to be used for housing—and then its sale.
He explained “I am sure people might ask how we could possibly afford the multi-million pound cost of a new headquarters when we are facing unprecedented financial pressures. The answer lies in the sale of Ladgate Lane with approval for housing development which should generate sufficient funds to meet the costs of both acquiring the site at Hemlington Grange and constructing the new building.
“There is no doubt that the current headquarters is not for fit for purpose. Of course it was not designed as a police headquarters but as a laboratory for British Steel. It has been our headquarters for the best part of 30 years, but it is now showing its age, is expensive to maintain and run, lacks the infrastructure for modern requirements—and is simply too big for our requirements now and in the future.
“Middlesbrough Council has identified Hemlington Grange for development for mixed uses, including residential and employment, and we believe that developing a new Force headquarters there will give a major boost to the Council’s objectives.
“We will, of course, be working closely with the Council and ensuring that our plans for both the new headquarters and the proposals for the redevelopment of the Ladgate Lane site meet their planning guidance.
“The plan for Hemlington Grange offers the opportunity for us to develop a facility specifically designed to meet our needs, of the right size—approximately 5,000 square metres as against the 11,000 square metres at Ladgate Lane—and with the right facilities to deliver modern policing.
“As well providing much improved and more efficient working conditions for staff, a new building would deliver very significant savings in operating costs, as much as £10million over ten years compared with the costs of maintaining operations at Ladgate Lane.
“One other benefit, of course, would be the employment which would be provided during the construction of the new headquarters and the redevelopment at Ladgate Lane.”
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said “Modern policing needs modern facilities and a purpose-built headquarters will deliver just that.
“The move demonstrates the Force and Authority’s commitment to Putting People First by providing our staff with the best facilities to deliver an efficient and effective policing service.
“In addition, the relocation will generate significant savings in relation to our current running costs at Ladgate Lane, which is good news in this difficult financial climate.”
As well as delivering leaflets in the area, public consultation events will be held at Middlesbrough Golf Centre on Ladgate Lane on November 22nd and the Hemlington Lake and Recreation Centre, Cass House Road, Hemlington, on November 29th.
The plans will also be outlined at an event being held for stakeholders at the Riverside Stadium on December 1st.
In addition information about the plans and the opportunity to comment will be available via the Police Authority website.
Would you like to submit your views on the proposals to build a new Police Headquarters at Hemlington Grange?
Click here to complete an online questionnaire
Click here to download a consultation document outlining the proposals
Alternatively, you can contact Cleveland Police Authority:
By mail at: Cleveland Police Authority, FREEPOST NEA3839, Middlesbrough TS8 9BR,
By email to: authorityconsultation@cleveland.pnn.police.uk
or by telephone: 01642 301467.