Plans for a £75 million revamp of the Lancashire Police headquarters in Hutton have been revealed.

The investment would see the modernisation of critical police infrastructure that supports dogs and mounted branch, specialist and technical training, fleet maintenance, cyber and crime teams, contact management and other enabling services.

The proposals are part of a ten-year plan to deliver a more efficient and fit for purpose estate in line with operational requirements to improve policing to our communities.

The current base at Saunders Lane is made up of numerous buildings, some of which are nearly 75 years old with the last investment in the construction of a new building taking place in the 1990s.

There is a large amount of estate from the 1960s and 70s that is at the end of its useable lifespan, and most of the buildings at the site no longer meet the needs of a modern police force.

Local residents and key stakeholders have been invited to view and comment on the proposed changes to buildings and landscape at Saunders Lane, and at the mounted and dogs base at Lindle Lane.

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The initial three phases of the programme would cost in the region of £75 million and take four to five years to complete.

The plan would see the site become more efficient and effective, reducing the number of buildings overall. As the site sits within a green belt, landscaping is also central to the scheme and would include new planting and wildlife areas.   

Announcing the proposals, Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: “The transformation of Lancashire Constabulary’s HQ site would be a landmark moment for policing and crime prevention here in Lancashire.

“Whilst we have seen a new station in Blackpool and a refurbishment of Skelmersdale, the poor current Constabulary infrastructure at both Saunders Lane and Lindle Lane is the result of decades of underinvestment going back to the 1990s.

“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. The proposals would allow improved security, training and future proofed fleet facilities.

“Investment into critical police infrastructure was announced as part of my Fighting Crime Plan to meet the future needs of operational policing. It will ensure that we can stay ahead of ever-changing demand, particularly in the areas of digital and cybercrime which continue to evolve at enormous pace.

“I am delivering more boots on the ground, funding an ASB problem solving team, more specialist equipment to beat criminals, expanding rural policing numbers, creating dedicated rape and sexual assault teams and urban task forces to take the fight to drug dealers and criminals in our area – but we will not fully deliver on my Fighting Crime Plan without the police having the right infrastructure to enable the most efficient, effective and cutting-edge ways of working.

“Combined with the Government police uplift programme, this will ensure that Lancashire Constabulary is a crime fighting force fit for the future.”

Once an application is submitted to the Planning Authority, residents and neighbours close to the site will have further opportunities to submit their views as part of the usual process.

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