Plans have been approved and a construction company has been appointed to construct a new Police and Fire Hub in the heart of Redditch.
In partnership, West Mercia Police and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are working together to bring a new combined hub to the Worcestershire town.
The Hub will be built to better support the people they serve by placing emergency services in the heart of Redditch, ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money and enabling emergency services to work more closely together.
Following approval of the plans, building contractor Speller Metcalfe will construct the facility to the tune of £17.6 million with the cost of the project being met by PCC (64.05%) and HWFRS (35.95%).
PCC John Campion said: “I have heard loud and clear from communities that they want their police force to be visible and accessible. This new fit-for-purpose building will see officers at the heart of the community serving the public.
“I am delivering on my promises to reform West Mercia Police by investing in new projects, bringing the two emergency services together to ensure you, the public, get the service you deserve.”
“We’re pleased to be progressing this joint development with the PCC and West Mercia Police,” said Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce.
“Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority are eager to progress the opportunity to build a fire station that meets the needs of the modern fire service; the new facilities will aid the delivery of our core strategies of Response, Protection and Prevention.
“The new shared facility will also strengthen joint responses to emergencies, and builds on our commitment to collaborate with our blue-light partners.”
Local policing commander for North Worcestershire, Superintendent Mel Paley, said: “We’re delighted these plans have been approved and look forward to the completion of the new hub and a new base for response officers, CID and the local safer neighbourhood team and will enable us to better support our communities.”
“We are absolutely delighted to be appointed as contractor for this innovative project,” said Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe. “As a Worcestershire contractor, we understand how important it is to deliver both a modern building that meets the needs of a 21st century police and fire service, but also provides value for money to the communities of Redditch.”
