New Hertfordshire Police Headquarters building officially opened

The new building at Hertfordshire Constabulary Headquarters was officially opened this week by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ.

The building, which will house around 1,000 officers and staff across a number of departments, as well as the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, has wellbeing, efficiency and collaborative working at the forefront of its design.

During the opening which took place on Tuesday 8 September, the Lord-Lieutenant unveiled a plaque and toured the building. Alongside local dignitaries he also met those involved in the building project as well as officers and staff working at the new site.

Upon opening the building, the Lord-Lieutenant read a message from His Majesty King Charles III. The message congratulated the positive socio impact the building will have on the local community and included his warm regards to those attending the event.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet said:

“The opening of the new Hertfordshire Constabulary HQ building is an important moment for the Force. It was an honour to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant to open our HQ and a lovely surprise to hear the message from His Majesty, King Charles III.

“Our former HQ served us well for 50 years but was becoming inefficient and the costs of running, maintaining and repairing it were making it uneconomical.

"The new building will serve us for the next 50 years. It will enable my officers, staff and volunteers to be at their very best. To work collaboratively, in modern, open plan working spaces, to learn from one another and to drive innovation. By creating an environment where people can thrive, this building will play an important role in helping us prevent crime and harm, solve crime and catch criminals and protect the vulnerable."

It is the only police force building nationally that has been awarded a platinum ‘WELL’ accreditation – the highest possible standard for health and wellbeing in the built environment.

The building has been awarded ‘excellent’ BREEAM status - demonstrating national best practice in areas like energy efficiency, water conservation and wellbeing.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, said:

“Hertfordshire Constabulary’s new HQ has been delivered on time and through strict governance procedures and closely working with Willmott Dixon and their supply chain the project was delivered under the approved project budget, which is an important result for local taxpayers. It provides a modern, fit for purpose base for operational policing, such as major crime and public protection units, and crucial support functions. This new HQ helps to future proof policing in Hertfordshire, giving our police officers and staff a modern base from which to keep Hertfordshire safe for many years to come.”