Police station set for £9 million renovation

A police station in the West Midlands is set for a major refurbishment. 

Henry Brothers Construction has begun a £9 million renovation at Wolverhampton Central Police Station on Bilston Street. 

The 16-month project will modernise the city centre site, originally opened by Princess Diana in 1992, while keeping it open to the public throughout.

Refurbishment plans include new victim care facilities, upgraded offices for officers, improved safety and security systems, as well as energy-efficient enhancements such as solar panels and LED lighting.

Essential works will also tackle long-standing issues including leaks, damp and outdated heating and cooling systems.

An employee café will be added on site, managed by a local charity to provide training and work opportunities for people who have faced barriers to employment, including those with disabilities, no formal qualifications, or previous experiences of homelessness.

Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very pleased to be starting work on this scheme to refurbish Wolverhampton Central police station, as we take great pride in working alongside our bluelight clients. 

“The creation of a more modern police station will provide improved facilities for West Midlands Police and allow officers to better service the local community.”

Craig Guildford, chief constable of West Midlands Police, added: “These essential works represent a major investment in policing in Wolverhampton and this iconic building. 

“Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy. 

“Policing has changed considerably since the station opened 33 years ago, especially our focus on victims – which is more important now than ever. 

“The work which is underway includes improvements to victim care facilities as well as staff areas.”

The project funding comes from savings generated by West Midlands Police through more efficient use of its estate, energy reductions and technology innovations, including robotics and AI systems that automate administrative processes and handle non-emergency calls.

Simon Foster, police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands, added: “I am pleased that we have secured the long-term future of Wolverhampton police station through this vital investment.

“This is a clear indication of my commitment to neighbourhood policing, to ensure officers and staff have the facilities they need, to provide the public with an effective and efficient police service.

“By modernising the police station, we are not only improving working conditions for our hard-working police officers and staff but also enhancing the service we provide to victims of crime and the wider community.

“This investment is part of my wider strategy, to ensure that West Midlands Police is fit for policing in the 21st century, with an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, based in the communities it serves – preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.”

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