Major development in the history of North Yorkshire Police: New police station planned for Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police Authority has marked history this week with the securing of a site for a new police station in Harrogate. The brand new state-of-the-art base will replace the existing station on North Park Road, which was built in the 1930s for the former West Riding Constabulary.
In addition, the force is also working with its partners to establish a local police office based in the town centre, this will enable us retain policing services in the heart of the community.
Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell, said: "I am very pleased to be able to announce this important and exciting milestone in the history of North Yorkshire Police.
"The existing Harrogate station has served North Yorkshire Police well over the past 36 years, but having been designed for 1930s policing it is now outdated, in need of refurbishment and can no longer meet the demands of a modern police service.
"This is part of our ongoing commitment to improve policing services to increase public confidence and make our neighbourhoods safer.
"I would like to give my reassurance to the communities of the Harrogate Borough that the current station will not be closed until the new premises have opened."
These new facilities are part of the force's Estates Transformation Programme, a joint project involving North Yorkshire Police, the Police Authority and key community stakeholders. It is driven by neighbourhood policing with the main objectives of putting police officers into the heart of our communities while at the same time ensuring the force is future-proofed for years to come. By investing in frontline services now, the force will be in a better position to deliver neighbourhood policing in the future.
Throughout the project, engagement with the local community and our partners will be key, and a range of activities are currently being planned to enable local residents and key stakeholders to have their say and help shape the future of the base.
The cost of the new building will be met by a mix of existing reserves, revenue raised from sales and borrowing. Efficiency savings will also be used for both this and the overall programme of investment planned in the next few years.
Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs, who is leading the Estates Transformation Programme, added: " The prudent financial management of force funds over a number of years, combined with forward planning, has ensured that we are now in the position to take this major development in the force's history forward.
"This has been achieved through the joint support received from both the public and North Yorkshire Police Authority for medium and long-term financial planning, which will enable North Yorkshire Police to be sustainable, now and in the future."
He added: "We have looked at a number of options including the refurbishment and expansion of the existing station, but the benefits and costs of this route do not stand up to the benefits of acquiring a new base. The new station will also be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
"Everything we do and everything we are working towards is geared to providing the best possible policing service to our communities. To do this we have to provide the best possible accommodation that helps our officers and staff to work even more effectively and efficiently. This new investment will ensure the area is fully equipped to meet the demands of modern policing for years to come.
"Public confidence and satisfaction in our service is of paramount importance to us and this investment in front line services will help us improve both and ensure we remain one of the safest areas of the country.
"I would like to acknowledge the Police Authority's support for this project which has enabled us to take this momentous step forward" he said.
Chairman of the Police Authority, Jane Kenyon added: "Given the Authority's responsibility for the stewardship of the police service, we are delighted to be able to report progress in replacing Harrogate Police Station with modern facilities. The Authority's role is to ensure that the police force has the resources and facilities to serve the public well and this project is top of our 'to do' list. We are slowly but surely changing the police estate into something which will serve our communities well - well into the future. Having secured a good site in Harrogate, we will now work closely with the local council and local people in making sure that our replacement buildings meet their, and the service's, expectations.
"This is the latest of a significant number of investments in the local police service which we have made over the last few years on the public's behalf. We will work tirelessly to continue to do so and improve the service we can give."
Location
We have exchanged contracts on the new site, and completion is subject to planning permission and consultation. The site is situated on Beckwith Knowle, Beckwith Head Road, Harrogate. The project is in the early stages with the next major stage being the planning application and consultation process with stakeholders and the community.
The reasons for choosing this site is a combination of space, cost and accessibility.
A site for the town centre station has not yet been identified but work is currently underway to establish a suitable location.
To keep up with the development of the project or for further information, including how to contact us, please visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/newpolicestations
New police stations/offices
So far the Estates Transformation Programme has seen seven new local police stations open across North Yorkshire and the City of York, providing a reassuring policing presence right in the centre of our communities.
The first local police office opened in 2008 at Westfield School, York
A further six were opened or upgraded in 2009 at:
Thirsk
Kirkbymoorside
The Garth, New Earswick, York
Eggborough
Derwent School, York
Pateley Bridge
