Surrey Police to redevelop Guildford HQ and sell-off proposed Leatherhead site
The 70-year-old Mount Browne base had previously been described as “inefficient” and “not fit for purpose”.
Last updated 25th Nov 2021
Land in Leatherhead purchased for £20.5m pounds with the aim of being Surrey Police's new headquarters will now be sold-off.
After a review following concerns about the proposed site, it has been announced the force will redevelop their current HQ in Guildford instead.
The 70-year-old Mount Browne base has previously been described as “inefficient” and “not fit for purpose”.
Dubbed a “landmark decision” by the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, the move was agreed on Monday (22 November).
Plans for the redevelopment are “still very much in the early stages”, but it will take place in phases - including a new joint Contact Centre and Force Control Room, a new location for the Surrey Police Dog School, a new Forensic Hub and improved facilities for training and accommodation.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Designing a new headquarters is probably the biggest single investment that Surrey Police will ever make and it is vital we get it right.
“The most important factor for me is that we provide value for money for our residents and deliver an even better policing service for them.
“Our officers and staff deserve the very best support and working environment we can provide for them and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make sure we are making a sound investment for their future.”
She added: “Back in 2019, a decision was taken to build a new headquarters site in Leatherhead and I can fully understand the reasons why. But since then the policing landscape has shifted significantly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the way the Surrey Police workforce operate in terms of remote working.
“In light of that, I believe that remaining at Mount Browne is the right option for both Surrey Police and the public we serve.
“I wholeheartedly agree with the Chief Constable that staying as we are is not an option for the future. So we must ensure the plan for the proposed redevelopment reflects the dynamic and forward thinking Force we want Surrey Police to be.”
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “Although Leatherhead offered us a new alternative to our headquarters, both in design and location, it had become clear that it was becoming increasingly harder to achieve our long-term dreams and ambitions.
“The pandemic has presented new opportunities to re-think how we can use our Mount Browne site and retain an estate that has been a part of Surrey Police’s history for more than 70 years. This announcement is an exciting opportunity for us to shape and design the look and feel of the Force for future generations.”