- The re-development of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s operations base near Junction 11 of the M5 has moved a step closer
- Planners have approved detailed proposals submitted on behalf of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)
- Constabulary teams based at Bamfurlong since the 1970s have moved out ready for work to begin this month
- PCC Martin Surl says the base will be better for officers and staff and help them provide a better service to the public
Demolition of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s operations’ base begins today after the Police and Crime Commissioner’s vision for a major makeover passed its final hurdle.
Planning approval has been granted for the site off the Golden Valley by-pass between Gloucester and Cheltenham enabling the re-development to begin in earnest.
Bamfurlong has been home to response teams, dogs and firearms officers, and collision investigators since the 1970s. Located close to Junction 11 of the M5 it is now in urgent need of modernisation to meet the operational needs of a modern Constabulary.
Mr. Surl said, “This redevelopment will not only improve the service the Constabulary is able to provide to the public and enhance the wellbeing of officers and staff, but will also meet our commitment to ‘A green and pleasant county’ by using a brownfield site and reducing environmental impact
“In short, Bamfurlong will be an enhanced asset for the Constabulary and OPCC for generations to come and we are delighted the work can now begin.”
Mr. Surl’s refreshed Police and Crime Plan promised to look into the viability of redeveloping the site to ensure that future generations of Gloucestershire residents were “safe and serviced by a good and well-resourced police service.”
Despite being an extensive redevelopment project, more than £6 million was shaved from the original proposals to maintain a level of affordability. Estimated costs currently sit at £12.8 million, with savings achieved through a decision to modernise a structurally sound vehicle workshop on the site rather that demolish it completely.
Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: “This is good news. Bamfurlong is of critical importance to us as it provides a geographically ideal base for a range of police units and gives our teams quick and easy access to major routes in the county when responding to incidents”.
“However, it has been in urgent need of redevelopment for some time and it is very important we support our staff and make sure they have the best possible working environment so they can provide the best service to the public”.
