GMP given keys for new headquarters

Developers Ask:Goodman present a ceremonial key to Councillor Paul Murphy of Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) and Chief Constable Peter Fahy of GMP to signify completion of the construction

Greater Manchester Police has been given the keys to its new Force headquarters.

The new development, in Central Park, replaces the Force’s current headquarters, Chester House, in Old Trafford, which is beyond economic repair.

GMPA Chairman Cllr Paul Murphy said: “We are at the start of an exciting new era of policing and it is extremely reassuring to know that the police officers and staff who work to keep Greater Manchester communities safe have the 21st Century tools they need to do a good job.”

Ken Knott, Director of Ask:Goodman, said: “With a dedicated tram stop for Central Park and over 1,000 people working at Force HQ, the Park’s vibrant business community will receive a considerable boost.”

Now the main building work is complete, the next exciting phase is the post contract fit out of the six storey building which will see the installation of IT, furniture and audio visual equipment prior to staff moving in later in the year.

GMP Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "This building was clearly approved before the spending cuts but actually will prove to be an excellent investment for the future.

“Over the long term it will enable us to reduce our accommodation costs and allow staff to work in new and innovative ways. The purpose of headquarters is to support those who provide the frontline service to the public. This wonderful building will help us to keep headquarter costs to the minimum but is also a vote of confidence in the future of GMP and we are very grateful to the Police Authority and of course to the tax payers of Greater Manchester for providing a state of the art facility."