Federation welcomes plans for joint police and fire HQ

14 February 2023

Plans for a joint headquarters in the heart of Redditch for West Mercia Police and the fire service have been welcomed by the Federation.

Construction firm Speller Metcalfe has been appointed to build the £17.6 million facility with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) covering just over 64 per cent of the costs and the rest coming from West Mercia Police and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS).

The combined headquarters is intended to save taxpayers’ money by splitting overheads and enabling emergency services to work more closely together.

Pete Nightingale, interim chair of West Mercia Police Federation, commented: “We are supportive of the concept of closer working with the fire services. This has proved successful in other areas and is generally good for building and strengthening relationships with our partners and making the best use of public finances.

“We hope that the new building will also pay dividends in terms of the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, being able to work in a building which is fit for purpose.”

But Pete warned: “We will, of course, be scrutinising the detail to get the best for our members. For example, it is vitally important that police officers and staff are provided with adequate, secure parking, rather than being forced to pay to park off site with the expense, stress and inconvenience that this brings.”

West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said he had “heard loud and clear” from communities that they want a visible and accessible police force, adding that a new fit-for-purpose building in Worcestershire would see officers at the heart of the community again.

“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,” said Mr Campion.

His words were echoed by Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce who said the new facilities would strengthen joint responses to emergencies and build on a commitment to collaborate.

Superintendent Mel Paley, on behalf of the Force, 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.”