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The possibility of Strathclyde Police taking an historic decision to relocate the Force Headquarters to a new site in the East End of Glasgow has moved one step closer to being realised.
A meeting of the Strathclyde Police Authority on 1st February 2010 agreed to undertake a full and detailed business case, at a cost of up to £1,000,000, to be funded by Clyde Gateway URC, that will look at the design and costs of a new building on a site adjacent to the River Clyde in South Dalmarnock.
Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said “We have been in discussions with the Police Authority for the past few months, and having listened closely to the requirements they have for a new HQ building, have identified a riverfront site which will be adjacent to the East End Regeneration Route and no more than a half-mile from the M74. It is also within walking distance of Dalmarnock station which will be soon be undergoing an extensive refurbishment that will be completed in advance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”
“Clyde Gateway has always been determined to attract a significant and influential anchor employer to this area who would be the first to commit to the vision of the long-term regeneration over the next two decades. I am delighted that the Police Authority has shown this firm belief in what we are setting out to do, and I look forward to working closely alongside them to deliver a business case that will make the relocation from Pitt Street to South Dalmarnock an absolute certainty.”
The development of a full and detailed business case will see the selection of a design team of an architect, engineer, quantity surveyor and project manager to determine all aspects of a new building, including layout, parking, security and costs. It is expected to take around 9 months to complete, with the timescale allowing the Authority to make a final decision in late 2010.
Councillor Paul Rooney, chair of the Strathclyde Police Authority said “It is well documented that the current facilities at force headquarters in Pitt Street are no longer fit for purpose. The Police Authority has been well aware and indeed budgeting for the possibility of relocation.
“However, before any final decisions can be taken, it is imperative that the Police Authority is fully informed of the costs, design and risks associated with relocating.
“We are grateful to Clyde Gateway for providing the finance to proceed with a full business case which will allow the Police Authority to make a fully informed decision in the future.”
A new HQ building is anticipated to cost in the region of £45m and will be home to up to 1200 employees, with a mixture of serving police officers and civilian staff. It would become the single biggest employer in the Clyde Gateway area.
The HQ building could be constructed and fully operational in four years time. | 