Gloucestershire Constabulary has revealed plans to completely transform its Police Operations Centre in Bamfurlong, near Cheltenham.
A series of artist’s impressions show what the new site could look like and it is hoped that the redevelopment, which is now in its final stages of planning, will create a more efficient space and improve the wellbeing of officers and staff.
The site in Bamfurlong is home to collision investigators, firearms teams, police dogs and response units, making it one of Gloucestershire’s largest policing centres.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, Martin Surl, said it has been ‘in urgent need of redevelopment for some years’ and promised to assess the viability of redeveloping the site in his Police and Crime Plan.
Redevelopments would enable Gloucestershire Constabulary to meet the OPCC and government requirements to improve infrastructure and allow the force to recruit new officers.
It’s now seeking public feedback before the consultation window closes on Friday 25 September 2020.
Martin Surl said: ‘A number of the Constabulary’s buildings have already been improved on my watch and all of it at a level of affordability. Bamfurlong is no exception as by adapting the original plans, we have been able to reduce the final estimated cost by more than £10 million.
‘Most important of all, it will not only improve the service the Constabulary is able to provide to the public, but will also meet our commitment to ‘A green and pleasant county’ by using a brownfield site and reducing environmental impact.’
Chief Constable, Rod Hansen, said: ‘Bamfurlong is of critical importance to us as it provides a geographically ideal base for a range of police units and gives our teams quick and easy access to major routes in the county when responding to incidents.
‘However it is in urgent need of redevelopment and it is very important we support our staff and make sure they have the best possible working environment so they can provide a great service to the public.’
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