West Mercia Police to get new super HQ along with fire service

The new base would be built in the grounds of Hindlip Park, on the outskirts of Worcester, and would replace the current police base there for the two forces which bosses say is no longer big enough or fit for purpose.

Amanda Blakeman, assistant chief constable for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, said the fact that some staff were currently being housed in temporary buildings highlighted the issues with capacity currently on site.

She said the site currently housed around 1,000 police officers and staff.

"There is little capacity to reconfigure the existing buildings at the site due to the existing intensive use and in certain cases, their listed status," she said.

She added: "This is a positive step forward for our plans for a shared operational command and control centre with the fire service.

"We have worked closely with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and we are excited about the proposals we are putting forward.

"Getting the go-ahead to build this shared centre will help us both deliver the best possible service as efficiently and effectively for the communities we serve."

Bill Longmore, police and crime commissioner for West Mercia, said: "This collaboration with the fire service and working in partnership is the most efficient way for both of us to get value for money and ensuring the force is fit for the future."

Assistant chief fire officer John Hodges added: "Existing ventures with the police have proved to be highly beneficial and we believe that the shared centre will result in greater operational capabilities, better working relationships and a more intelligent response to incidents.

"Collaboration of this kind will also ensure we make the best use of our resources and create a sustainable future for the service."

Hindlip Park currently functions as a policing hub for the strategic alliance between Warwickshire Police (WP) and West Mercia Police (WMP), with services provided from the site across the combined geographical area of the two police forces.

The site is also used as a major incident command centre where other '999' services and local resilience partners are coordinated.

It is intended that some services will also be provided by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) from Hindlip Park, hence the joint application of three organisations.

As an estate, Hindlip Park currently houses 20 buildings with a combined useable office space of about 30,000sqm. There are three listed buildings on site.