Hemel police station reopens after £2.5 million modernisation

The building work and internal refit was completed in November, and on Monday, February 3, the premises in Coombe Street was formally reopened.

Guest of honour the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire unveiled a plaque in front of guests including Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Chief Constable Charlie Hall, the High Sherriff of Hertfordshire and Sir Mike Penning MP.

Mr Lloyd said: “This renovation of the building that has greatly improved working conditions and facilities for the officers and staff.

“As the number of frontline police officers continues to grow in Hertfordshire it is important we invest in the proper buildings and equipment for them.

"It is also a more welcoming place for visiting members of public.

“Residents in Hemel Hempstead told me they wanted to keep an operational police station in the centre of the town. This investment has guaranteed it will remain for many more years.

“It’s next door to the council offices which enables close partnership working, which I believe is crucial for reducing crime and keeping people safe.”

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “Hemel Hempstead police station provides an essential base for Dacorum’s intervention, Safer Neighbourhood and Local Crime Unit teams, which are led by a Chief Inspector, a Detective Inspector and a Neighbourhood Inspector.

“It is wonderful to witness the culmination of the site’s extensive redevelopment which has given it a new lease of life.

"Retaining Dacorum’s fully-operational policing base, which has been on this site in Combe Street since 1958, was vitally important for both us and the community.

“I am pleased to say that the completion of this project will allow us to continue working with our partners to serve the borough for years to come.”

Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss said: “It is an honour to be asked to open this refurbished police station.

"This excellent working environment is a shining example of the important role that the modern police have in the local community and throughout Hertfordshire.”

Mr Lloyd agreed funding for the project in 2017 to make the station the strategic policing base for Dacorum, extensive renovation of the 60 year old building was required as much of the space and services were no longer fit for purpose.

The building has a new roof, façade, windows, heating and electrical systems and new internal offices, public spaces and interview rooms have also been created or given extensive renovation.

There is also a video room where officers can give evidence in court cases remotely, and a CCTV viewing room which is used for investigations.

While the year-long project was underway the station remained fully operational from temporary cabins over two floors on the site.