New police station to replace old building

A "more efficient and sustainable" police station is being planned for a town to replace the existing one which is in "in dire need" of updating, a police and crime commissioner has said.

Merseyside Police have submitted plans to develop the new station in the Earlestown conservation area of Newton-le-Willows.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside police and crime commissioner, said the existing building on Market Street opened in the 1970s and had "reached the end of its lifespan".

If approved by St Helens Borough Council, the building will be "designed for modern policing and be fully accessible to the public", the force said.

Ms Spurrell said it would be “more cost effective" to replace the current building with a new high-quality, accessible, custom-built station which is fit for purpose and more sustainable.

The new police station would have an enquiries office, waiting area, an interview room and meeting room, as well as offices, a multi-faith room, storage and an operational car park.

Designed by AHR Architects, it aims to make it easier for people to report crimes and seek help.

The station will have 15 police community support officers and three general enquiry office staff, the force said.

It is part of the Merseyside Police's 12-year plan to update the region's stations, with more than £21m expected to be recouped from the sale of 11 old and unused stations, including Canning Place, Bromborough, Birkenhead, Wallasey, and Ainsdale.

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