Lancashire police chief unveils £75m HQ plans

A hybrid application is due to be submitted early next year to shake up the constabulary’s Saunders Lane base in South Ribble with the construction of training facilities, offices, and accommodation.

The plans were announced by police and crime commissioner Andrew Snowden, who said they were part of his 10-year strategy to invest in critical infrastructure for the force.

Snowden’s proposals also include the building of kennels and stables at the police’s Lindle Lane site in Hutton.

Snowden described the plans as a “landmark moment for policing and crime prevention” in the county, noting that many of the buildings at Saunders Lane are 75 years old.

“The proposed plans to redevelop the sites would enable the replacement of buildings that are no longer safe or fit for purpose for modern day policing,” he said. “The proposals would allow improved security, training and future-proofed fleet facilities.”

Multi-disciplinary consultants McBains are working closely with the commissioner’s office to craft the plans, which are set to be delivered in three phases. The commissioner estimates the project will cost £75m and take between four and five years to complete.

Under the proposals, the constabulary will seek outline planning permission for a 51,700 sq ft training school, 33,400 sq ft accommodation block, and a 67,800 sq ft sports hall with a gym and firing range. There would also be a 129,200 sq ft multi-storey car park. These structures would be built at the 43-acre Saunders Lane site.

Full planning permission will be sought for an 89,100 sq ft headquarters building at Saunders Lane. Also proposed: a 60,700 sq ft support building and a 9,400 sq ft public order training facility. The plans seek permission for 94,800 sq ft of decked parking as well.

Over at the 15-acre Lindle Lane site, the police force is seeking full planning permission for dog kennels and a 22,600 sq ft stables and arena area for the mounted branch.

Both sites are within Green Belt. The commissioner’s office said that landscaping would be a key part of the project.

In addition to McBains, the project team includes Ares Landscape Architects, SCP Transport, acoustic consultants Cass Allen, hydraulic modelling expert JBA, fire engineer BB7, geotechnical consultants A-Squared Studio, and measured building survey specialist Pell Frischmann. Lea Hough is the project’s chartered surveyor. E3p is providing ecology and arboricultural advice.