Surrey Police announce new headquarters in Leatherhead
Surrey Police has purchased a new site for its headquarters and operational base in an improved central location that “heralds the start of a new chapter” in the history of the force.
It will replace the existing Mount Browne headquarters and Woking police station in addition to replacing Reigate police station as the main Eastern divisional base.
The sales from these bases will meet most the costs for the purchase and development of the new headquarters.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday (March 20) Surrey police and crime commissioner David Munro said the new building will be an operational hub housing specialist teams as well as chief officers and senior leadership team, support, corporate functions and training facilities.
He described it as “really exciting news and heralds the start of a new chapter in the proud history of Surrey Police.”
The Cleeve Road site in Leatherhead, which covers around ten acres, has cost £20.5 million to purchase and it is estimated the new building will be fully operational in around four to five years’ time.
Mr Munro added: “The search for a new site has been long and complex so I am delighted we have now completed the deal and can start making detailed plans that will shape the future of policing in this county.
“The most important factor for me is that we provide value for money and deliver an even better service to the public. We have looked carefully at the budget for the project and even taking into account the inevitable relocation costs involved, I am satisfied this investment will provide savings in the long-term.
“A police force’s most valuable asset is of course the officers and staff that work around the clock to keep our county safe and this move will provide them with a much better working environment and support.”
The new site will also allow the force to meet the challenges of modern policing.
T/Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “A state of the art operational base and HQ will enable us to better meet the challenges of modern policing, allow us to be innovative and ultimately provide an even better policing service for the Surrey public.
“Surrey Police has ambitious plans for the future and we’re investing in our people by providing the right training, technology and working environment to meet modern policing challenges.
“Our existing sites are expensive to run and restrict the way we work. Over the coming years we’ll provide our teams with workplaces they can be proud of.
“Our changes in location will not alter how we respond to, work with, and consider ourselves a part of, Surrey’s many communities. These plans reflect our ambition to be an outstanding force and our commitment to providing high quality policing in the heart of our communities.”
