New Southern Policing Hub plans submitted for Salisbury and South Wiltshire
Plans for a new Southern Policing Hub have now been submitted to Wiltshire Council - marking a major step forward in plans to provide modern, fit-for-purpose policing facilities for the south of the county.
The submission of an outline planning application for land off Mitre Way, Old Sarum, by the Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police, follows more than five years of work to identify a site which will provide long-term solution for policing in the south of the county.
Throughout his tenure as PCC, Mr Wilkinson and the OPCC project team have carried out extensive engagement with local communities, partners, elected representatives and stakeholders.
The proposed Southern Policing Hub would replace the policing base at Bourne Hill - which operational reviews in 2021 and 2023 have concluded is no longer capable of supporting modern policing needs.
The new facility would provide a dedicated operational base for neighbourhood, response and specialist teams serving Salisbury and the wider South Wiltshire area.
Ahead of submitting the application, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police undertook a significant programme of public engagement with local residents close to the proposed six-acre site at Mitre Way.
This included three public consultation events, attendance at Area Board meetings across the south of the county, stakeholder briefings, a dedicated consultation website, community messaging alerts, local media activity and targeted digital communications.
The consultation generated hundreds of conversations and comments from local people, with discussions focusing on issues including custody provision, traffic, environmental impacts, value for money and the future of policing in the area.
Feedback received through the consultation has been reviewed and submitted as part of the planning application – and will be further considered if the application gains approval and moves into the design phase.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "This is an important milestone for policing in Salisbury and South Wiltshire.
"I have been clear since becoming Police and Crime Commissioner that we need to ensure Wiltshire Police has the right buildings and infrastructure to serve local communities effectively, not just today but for decades to come.
“The reality is that Bourne Hill is no longer fit for the demands of modern policing. We need facilities that support our officers and staff, improve operational effectiveness and allow policing to adapt as demand changes in the future.
“Increasing collaboration, evolving operational models and the potential for future police reform mean that modern, flexible estate infrastructure is essential to maintaining local policing effectiveness.
“Whatever the future policing landscape looks like, Wiltshire will continue to need resilient, fit-for-purpose operational facilities in the south of the county to support frontline policing and keep communities safe.
"Just as importantly, we have been determined to engage openly and honestly with local people throughout this process. I want to thank everyone who attended consultation events, raised questions and shared their views.
“People will not always agree on every aspect but their feedback has helped shape the plans and will continue to inform the project as it progresses.
“We also recognise that our residents will continue to have a strong interest in these proposals and we welcome the constructive engagement that has taken place so far.
“As the planning process progresses, we will continue working with communities and stakeholders to ensure they remain informed and able to engage with the project."
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "Wiltshire Police officers and staff deserve facilities that allow them to do their jobs effectively and deliver the service that communities rightly expect.
"The proposed Southern Policing Hub would give us a modern operational base for policing across Salisbury and South Wiltshire, bringing together teams who work every day to prevent crime, protect vulnerable people and keep communities safe.
"This proposal is about making sure Wiltshire Police is equipped to meet current and future demand while continuing to provide an effective local policing service across the south of the county."
The planning application will now be considered by Wiltshire Council through the formal planning process.
Application documents, including consultation feedback and supporting technical reports, will be available through the council's planning portal once validated.
The Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police have committed to continuing engagement with local communities throughout the next stages of the project.
