THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and Chief Constable of Gwent Police paid a visit to the new police headquarters in Llantarnam to check in on how the development has progressed ahead of its opening later this year.
Building work began at the site on the £32 million project at the end of 2019, and despite Wales having been in lockdown for much of the year, Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert confirmed the project remained on budget and on time.
The new facility will accommodate 480 officers and staff, and will be home to the control room – the first point of contact for 999 and 101 calls.
It will also house major crime teams, training functions, support services, senior management and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The 5,178 square metre building will cover half the footprint of the force's existing base in Croesyceiliog, which is almost 50 years old.
It is estimated the new base will make about a £1.1million in year-on-year savings due to lower running costs.
PCC Cuthbert said: “Despite the challenge brought by the pandemic which has affected supply chains and the way we work, I’m extremely pleased that we remain on target to take ownership of our new site in the autumn.
“Sound financial management also means that we remain on budget.”
Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “We are very much looking forward to relocating to our new base later this year.
“Providing the right environment for our police teams to deliver some of our most critical services is key to modern policing.
“Delivering the project to schedule has been challenging during the pandemic, but it’s testament to the commitment of the teams involved that we remain on track.”
The project is being paid for from a specific reserve fund.
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