Press
& Publicity
Monday 8 October 2007 - HPA655
TOPPING OUT CEREMONY CELEBRATES CONSTRUCTION OF NEW POLICE STATION IN HATFIELD
A TOPPING OUT CEREMONY was held on Wednesday to celebrate the construction of a new Police Station for Hatfield reaching the highest point of the build.
At approximately 6,900 square metres, the station will also provide a new home for Central Area Headquarters and enable a number of operational functions and key departments to be brought together under one roof.
Chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority, Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, said: “The new police station will bring huge benefits to the local communities in Central Area and, in particular, to people who live and work in Hatfield. It provides a strong visible presence in the town, right at the heart of the new District Centre, and preserves an important part of the town’s De Havilland heritage.
“The existing police station in St Albans Road (Hatfield), will remain open until the new station is fully operational, which we expect to be next summer.
“This is one of a number of major developments and refurbishments around the county, which the Authority is taking forward to improve public access to police services. Work to extend the Stevenage Police Station is expected to be complete next year, together with two new police stations – Hertford and Ware.”
The complex consists of two Grade 2 listed buildings - the old administration and canteen buildings of de Havilland and latterly, British Aerospace – which are being carefully restored and refurbished.
The development will include a large custody suite for the Central Area, which has been designed to process detainees more quickly, enabling officers to get back out on the streets in the shortest possible time.
Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Alison Roome-Gifford, said: “This is a very exciting development. We are very pleased to be able to provide the Central Area with such an impressive policing facility.”
“The reasons for building the new station are part of a wider modernisation programme designed to offer numerous benefits – a main objective being improving public accessibility, visibility and service.
“We have been working with the community and particularly those people concerned with the significant history of this site to create a building that we can all truly be proud of – and that is also a fitting monument to the legacy of de Havilland.”
The project is being carried out by Willmott Dixon’s regional office in Hitchin and the site management team is being led by Simon Ramage.
Building work on the project is due for completion in Spring 2008.
Chris Tredget, Deputy Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Construction said: “The topping out ceremony is important as it celebrates the structural completion of the building and also points to the end being in sight for the whole construction process.
“We are delighted with progress so far and to be working with the Police Authority and Constabulary to deliver such an important project for the community.”
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