New Tidworth police station and civic centre officially opened
The building on Wylye Road has cost ÂŁ7.3 million
A new police station and civic centre for Tidworth has been officially opened, at a cost of ÂŁ7.3 million.
It's been a joint venture between Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner - whose office put in ÂŁ2 million of the funding - and Tidworth Town Council, who funded the rest of the project, which came in under-budget.
The building on Wylye Road includes interview rooms, a briefing room, parade room and offices for Wiltshire Police, becoming the new base for the Amesbury neighbourhood policing team.
There's also bookable rooms for the community, a reception area and coffee shop, as part of the civic centre.
The site's been officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton, with other dignitaries including Pradeep Bhardwaj, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire; Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Whitelegge, the Commander of Tidworth Garrison; and a number of local Mayors, and councillors present.
Construction began in April 2022.
Carole Webbe, the Mayor of Tidworth, said:
"It would have been a much more difficult project to complete without the partnership of the PCC, and we’re thrilled to have the police next door in a facility which serves the whole community.
"Having Wiltshire Police in an adjoining building reassures the public and creates a greater sense of security in Tidworth as a whole."
Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin is impressed with the building:
"The new station is a modern facility, which puts us in the heart of the community with a strong policing presence.
"As a model, this is a real opportunity to highlight the good work of our Neighbourhood Policing Team and underline our commitment to providing increased engagement and visibility to the residents of Wiltshire."
Tidworth previously used a police station on Pennings Road in the town, and another on Salisbury Road in Amesbury - both of which now stand empty.