Willmott Dixon has been appointed by West Yorkshire Police to deliver a new headquarters for the Kirklees district
The new headquarters will feature 10,000m2 of accommodation, a new custody suite, property store, atrium, lockers, gym, public front of house, and all associated ancillary areas.
The development will be built on Halifax Road at the site of the former Dewsbury College and parking will be provided through the delivery of a split level multi-storey car park and separate surface parking.
The project also involves the full refurbishment of the Oldroyd building which will form key flexible office space.
The scheme was procured using the SCAPE construction framework and builds on Willmott Dixon’s portfolio of blue light projects.
Work is due to start later this month, with the site to be fully operational by the end of 2024.
‘New era for policing’
Chief Superintendent Jim Griffiths, District Commander of Kirklees Police, said: “It is exciting news that construction is now poised to begin on site at Halifax Road.
“We have written to local residents to advise of the start of construction and are committed to maintain communications with those living nearby as work progresses.”
West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe added: “I’m really glad to see the plans for this flagship station in Kirklees now beginning to take shape. It represents a new era for policing in the District, delivering both innovation and opportunity.
“Both the Mayor of West Yorkshire and I are excited to see this work continue to develop over the coming months, which will ultimately enable us to deliver against our Police and Crime Plan for the county.”
Modern headquarters
Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with West Yorkshire Police to support the modernisation of its estate, and are excited to play our part in delivering a state-of-the-art environment for those who work around the clock to keep us all safe.
“It is vital that officers have the right facilities reflecting modern ways of working, and the very best support they need to serve the people of West Yorkshire.
“We are focused on leaving a lasting legacy beyond bricks and mortar and that’s why we will be supporting the Kirklees economy and West Yorkshire police initiatives by using local businesses and creating local employment opportunities whenever possible.”
Levelling-up
Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, said: “Successful levelling-up of communities around the UK hinges on delivering quality public services and the facilities to support them.
“The new headquarters in Kirklees represents West Yorkshire Police’s ambition to improve the community and its policing, as well as demonstrating how government funding can be channelled effectively.
“I’m confident that the best-in-class local delivery team, led by Willmott Dixon, will deliver a project the community can be proud of.”
