New station might only take up half of current plot, with remaining land sold for development
Coventry’s city centre police station could be knocked down and replaced with a new facility on the same site in Little Park Street.
The Telegraph understands the ‘state-of the art’ replacement station might only take up half of the current 2.7-acre plot, with the remaining land sold off for development.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson is leading a force-wide review of buildings to free up £5million a year to invest in improving police buildings and protect 100 officer posts as the force struggles with austerity-driven cuts in Government funding.
The plan, which has yet to be finalised, would see many police buildings sold off but in Coventry a new station would be built.
Speaking to the Telegraph Mr Jamieson said: “I was in Little Park Street earlier in the week and it is a rambling building that is just not fit for the modern age and the 21st century.
Mr Jamieson added that plans involved “having a rebuild”.
“It will be on a smaller footprint but it will be much more efficient,” he said.
“It is not a good building and not suitable for a modern workforce.
“We are talking about a brand new facility - state-of-the-art stuff.
“It will be something smaller in size but make much more effective use of the land.”
Mr Jamieson said the current Little Park Street site was particularly large for a city centre station.
He said that no firm plans had been made yet as to what part of the site might be used for but said discussions would take place with Coventry City Council.
“The plan is for some of the site to be used for something else, which is yet to be determined,” Mr Jamieson said.
“We are working with the council.
“The site is 2.7 acres which is quite big for a city centre site.
“We are still exploring ways and have to plan a timetable.”
Mr Jamieson said the plans would not affect policing in the city centre, even if the front desk had to be located elsewhere for a time.
Stick it in a telephone box!
