Go-ahead for new police HQ

FUTURISTIC . . . how the new GMP headquarters will look

GREATER Manchester Police is on the move to multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art headquarters — but not until 2011.

The force is currently based at Chester House, in Trafford, but work on the new six-storey building in Newton Heath has been approved by the Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA).

Coloured glass will be a key feature of the headquarters, which will glow blue at night and be visible from Piccadilly.

Staff and officers relocating will be involved in plans from the outset to help shape the development at Central Park, just off Oldham Road — a site which is being developed by Ask:Goodman on behalf of urban regeneration company New East Manchester.

Funding for the new HQ — which was granted planning permission by Manchester City Council in April — has been provided by GMPA and the Home Office.

Building work will begin by the end of this month, with completion planned for 2011.

The £63 million scheme is the next phase of GMPA’s estate strategy which has already seen 19 new police buildings provided in Greater Manchester.

GMPA chairman Councillor Paul Murphy said: “The authority is extremely proud of what this deal represents — significant investment in north-east Manchester for the benefit of the whole of Greater Manchester.

“We have one of the best forces in the country. It is vital that we have a fit for purpose, cost-effective HQ. The relocation will ensure this is the case and I look forward to seeing the project develop.”

Chief Constable Peter Fahy added: “This investment will provide modern accommodation that will help team working and improve communication. These things are critical to successful policing.”