City planners approve landmark police headquarters for Southampton

Computer generated image of new Operational Command Unit
Copyright: Broadway Malyan

Plans for an iconic new police station in Southampton have been given the go ahead by the city council planning department after months of preparation.

The new facility, which will replace the existing Southampton Central police station, and bring together specialist units spread across the city, will also serve as the areas Operational Command Unit HQ.

Development proposals approved yesterday, Tuesday June 24, consist of a landmark eight-storey police station/command centre, 42-cell custody suite, associated car-parking and landscaping, and will house more than 500 staff at the former Norman Offer Haulage ltd site at Southern Road.

Councillors complimented the design of the building and gave the proposals their unanimous approval.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Greening, OCU commander for Southampton police said:
“Getting planning permission means a great deal to us and to the city. I’m grateful to the city’s councilors’ who have decided, on behalf of the people of Southampton, that they want the city’s police to have a headquarters fit to deliver the excellent service they rightly expect from us. I know our staff and the public will benefit from this new station for many years to come.”

Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan said:
“ I am genuinely grateful to Southampton City Council for granting planning permission to the proposed replacement for Southampton Central police station. I believe the new station will not only provide a modern environment for all our staff but also be a building worthy of the city of Southampton and its future development.

“The replacement of Southampton Central has always been my personal estate priority as Chief Constable and I am delighted that at last we can make progress. The officers and staff at Southampton Central will finally have a building which complements their commitment and professionalism.”

Cabinet member for Economic Development, Councillor Royston Smith, said: “This is a great result for the city. The new Operational Command Unit will provide a state of the art facility for a modern police service for the residents of Southampton. Located at one of the major gateways into the city centre the new building will provide an excellent landmark for those entering the city from the west.”

Work still needs to be undertaken to remove and relocate an electricity pylon which is currently situated on the land. Hampshire Constabulary remains in negotiations with Scottish and Southern Power to identify a cost effective way of carrying out this work and allowing the project to move forward.

For further information:

Contact: Emma Apter, Media and Corporate Communications Manager, Southampton OCU, Hampshire Constabulary
Tel: 02380 670915