WORK has begun to refurbish the former Wiltshire College training campus at The Avenue in Warminster to provide a modern facility for the local community policing hub.

The police will move out of their existing premises in Station Road, Warminster, once the work has been completed by April 2021, with operational services expected to start in May 2021.

The renovation of the former college follows the change of use application being approved last October.

Whilst creating his estates strategy 2017-21, Wiltshire & Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson asked the Wiltshire Chief Constable Kier Pritchard what his operational requirements were.

The existing Warminster station is one of the oldest buildings on the police estate and was identified as no longer fit for purpose.

Mr Macpherson said: "The plans for the new site are really exciting and I'm looking forward to seeing our staff and officers enjoy their new, modern environment once completed.

"A number of options to improve facilities for the community policing hub in Warminster were considered, including renovating the existing site on Station Road. However, the detached, modern training facility, previously owned by Wiltshire College was the clear choice. Located only 450 yards from the Market Place, it provides a central location in the local community from which to continue to deliver policing services."

Inspector Gill Hughes, for Warminster CPT, said: "Alongside the Commissioner's investments into mobile technology, improvements to the physical environments in which we work are also beneficial to operational policing, ensuring we operate as efficiently as possible."We're delighted we'll be located right at the heart of the community in which we serve and are looking forward to seeing the site renovations complete."

"Staff based at Warminster and I were consulted on the plans and I'm thrilled by the final designs for the new facility. "The new premises will include a large, open plan parade room, separate digital room, large briefing, interview and search rooms, as well as a locker room, shower facilities, a modern kitchen and break out room.

"After such a difficult and challenging year for so many, it's nice to have something positive to look forward to."

For further information on the PCC's Estates Strategy, visit the PCC's website at www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk