£70m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary HQ given go ahead by PCC

The force says the inefficient 1960s buildings have exceeded the end of their designed life and have issues with flooding, heating malfunctions, IT infrastructure and asbestos contamination.

Hertfordshire’s police and crime commissioner David Lloyd said demolishing the existing buildings at the Stanborough site in Welwyn Garden City was the cheapest option rather than carry on.

Giving the go-ahead for the full business case, Mr Lloyd said it was “a tremendously positive and cost-effective step for modern-day policing and keeping people safe”.

The decision comes as the constabulary has already built up the largest number of officers in its history, while maintaining a strong neighbourhood policing network with at least one police station in every district.

Mr Lloyd said the development will enable the police to deliver a better service to the public while reducing the estate long-term revenue costs, as well as meeting commitments on sustainability and the decarbonisation strategy.

Demolition of several of the main buildings is due to start later this year.

Essential services and departments based at the site include the Major Crime Unit, the force control room, victim services, the dog unit, forensic services, the senior leadership team and operational support staff.

Before making the decision, Mr Lloyd requested several options be explored in detail, including continuing to maintain the current estate or moving police headquarters to another location in the county. Analysis of all the alternatives revealed that rebuilding on the existing site was the most cost-efficient and operationally effective option.

Mr Lloyd said: “This is all about ensuring that the people of Hertfordshire continue to get the very best policing service they deserve. We now have a record high number of officers in the constabulary, and I am pleased to announce these new facilities will maintain that momentum of investment.

“‘The people who will work in these new buildings will play a core role in delivering the best frontline policing service, as expected by the public.

“Committing to this once-in-a-generation opportunity is not a decision I have taken lightly but this is a tremendously positive and cost effective step for policing and keeping people safe.”

He added: “These aging buildings are no longer fit for purpose and have developed serious faults, which would require expensive maintenance, remedial work and energy costs just for them to be kept open.

“This new environmentally friendly facility is a key part of the estates strategy, which is also committed to retaining operational police stations in every district and borough across the county. Together with the extra officers they will ensure Hertfordshire Constabulary is fit to respond to the challenges facing a 21st century police service.”

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “This much needed development will provide modern and efficient facilities to help deliver effective future policing for Hertfordshire.  The much improved facilities will be more cost effective, assist our recruitment and improve our effectiveness given the far better and more sustainable working conditions for our staff.”

A full planning application for the work has already been granted by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

Several modern buildings will be retained on the Stanborough Road site but the main operational block and surrounding buildings will be demolished.

The work is expected to be completed in three years, during which officers and staff will be relocated to other buildings on the site or to temporary accommodation off-site.