Contractors have begun work on Wilmslow's new police station, which is set to become operational in autumn this year.
The new station will be built on the same plot of land on Hawthorn Street as the existing station. The replacement two storey police station will be located on the site of the existing car park where there are currently 35 spaces - making a portion of the land available for the development of retirement apartments - as Wilmslow's current police station is considered too large for current and predicted future operational use.
McCarthy Stone have submitted plans to develop the plot of land the existing station sits on into a retirement living facility once officers and staff have moved into their new base.
In addition to the sale of the site of the old station, lower energy costs for the new carbon neutral station mean funding will be released for re-investment into other areas of local policing.
Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer said "I'm delighted to see work begin on Wilmslow's new police station. The public expect the police to use funding wisely, with the end goal always being to improve the service that residents receive. This is reflected in the Police and Crime Plan, which contains an explicit priority to modernise our police service for the public's benefit.
"Looking at the police estate, where outdated buildings and facilities need to be updated and replaced to ensure value for money, is common sense and means the police can serve the public more effectively.
"That's exactly what is happening in Wilmslow. This new, fit-for-purpose station is one step closer to reality and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to the local area."
Cheshire Constabulary's Chief Constable, Mark Roberts said "This development is a positive step for our officers and the local community, providing a policing hub that allows us to provide an even better service to the residents of Wilmslow. It also underlines our commitment to maintaining an operational deployment station in the town.
"This will have a positive impact on our local officers who will have a new, modern station to work from. I very much looking forward to visiting in the autumn when it is up and running."
McCarthy Stone's proposed scheme is for 56 retirement apartments along with communal facilities including a residents' lounge, multi-use function space, guest suite for relatives and visitors, communal storerooms, staff office, internal refuse store, and cycle/mobility scooter storage with charging points.
Comments
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Our CEC bill arrived today. Adding to it, is the green bin collection charge, that only increasing their take. Stealth tax?
Terry
Property tax bill arrived today from CEC. Add in the green bin bill and we have the real truth.
Surely the community and the town council can get together on this and press for a permanent Police station in Wilmslow - the crime evidence must show that it is needed given what we keep reading. What's the point of having a fancy new building if it doesn't get used?