Former GMP headquarters to be demolished

THE demolition of Chester House, Greater Manchester Police’s former headquarters building, is due to start next month.

TheBusinessDesk understands Mansell Construction has the contract to dismantle the 12-storey building, which sits between White City Retail Park and an Audi showroom.

GMP moved to a new force headquarters building at Central Park, Newton Heath last year.

A report commissioned by the force from property consultants Grimleys concluded that the building had no commercial value, but the site did.

A Greater Manchester Police Authority document from last year stated: “The site has potential commercial value, particularly for non food retail, however current market conditions limit its marketability at present.

“In the meantime the retention of the existing buildings on the site represents a significant risk in both practical and financial terms. A project has therefore been initiated with a view to removing the redundant buildings.”

As well as Chester House, the smaller Trafford House next door will also be demolished. But the operational command centre, which receives 999 calls, which sits in the shadow of Chester House, will be retained.

In the summer the police authority approved funding of £540,000 to cover the initial costs of the demolition. The authority has been replaced by the Police and Crime Commissioner. No one at the office could be reached for comment.

Picture courtesy of Stephen Richards.

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