GM Police confirms divisional HQ at Central Park

GREATER Manchester Police Authority has confirmed its plans for a newdivisional headquarters for North Manchester as part of a £56m improvement scheme.

Building work on the new £35m building at Central Park in Newton Heath is expected to start in February, subject to final approval, and will be completed in September 2011.

It follows plans to house the GMPA’s main 240,000 sq ft headquarters at the same park, which is being developed by Ask:Goodman, a joint venture between Ask Developments and Goodman, on behalf of urban regeneration company New East Manchester.

The reorganisation will see Bootle Street, Newton Heath and Grey Mare Lane police stations close. Both Bootle Street and Grey Mare Lane police stations are to be sold when market conditions are more favourable, while the disposal of Newton Heath is expected in November 2011.

In addition Collyhurst Police Station is to be refurbished from November 2011, a new city centre enquiry policing post will be created, and accommodation will be provided for a Neighbourhood Policing Team at Bradford Park.

Custody facilities at the sites earmarked for demolition and those at Collyhurst Police Station will be replaced by one facility to hold 30 cells on the same site as the new divisional headquarters. 

Custody facilities for the North West Counter Terrorism Unit hub will also be located at Central Park, with 12 cells planned. Funding of £5m for eight of the cells is to be provided by the government’s Office of Security and Counter Terrorism.

Cllr Paul Murphy, GMPA chairman, said: “This deal has significant regeneration benefits for north east Manchester. It will also ensure north Manchester people have visible, easy to access police services and GMP employees have fit-for-purpose facilities. In short, better police services for the benefit of everyone.”

GMP Chief Constable Peter Fahy added: “The programme of works we are looking to approve will ensure we’re fit-for-purpose to meet the needs we face so that the local community continues to receive the highest degree of policing services.”

David Burkinshaw, director at Ask Developments said: “The creation of a new divisional headquarters for Greater Manchester Police, subject to the government confirming the promised funding, is extremely positive for Central Park and we look forward to receiving formal approval in due course.”