New look police station officially opens its doors

Rochdale Divisional Headquarters

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The new look Rochdale Police Station has officially opened.

The station, situated on The Esplanade in Rochdale town centre, was officially opened on Monday (30 January), following an 18 month long refurbishment project – costing £16million.

The transformed building has been dedicated to the late Gloria Oates OBE DL.

At the opening ceremony guests, including Mrs Oates family, gathered for the unveiling of two ceremonial plaques; one to mark the opening and one in tribute to Mrs Oates, former Vice Chairwoman of the Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), who died in 2010.

Christine McGawley JP, Vice Chairwoman of GMPA, said: “Gloria was extremely passionate and committed to her work with the Police Authority. This building will enable police officers and staff to provide a first class police service for the people of Rochdale and is a fitting tribute and legacy to her.”

The police station has undergone an extensive refurbishment and since the project started in August 2010 the building has been stripped back to its basic structure to create an open plan office space. The station boasts a new public entrance and a glass frontage that is lit up in the evening.

Mrs McGawley added: “Walking into Rochdale Divisional Headquarters today is like walking into a completely new building. Officers and staff now have the high-quality working conditions they deserve, providing them with the tools to deliver a continuously improving, efficient and effective police service to the people of Rochdale.”
Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, Divisional Commander for Rochdale, described the building as “fantastic” and said he is “proud” of what has been achieved.

He said: “This building has been designed to maximise the strengths of our staff and enable them to work in more collaborative ways.

“We are already using it as a community hub and are encouraging community groups and partner agencies to share this asset.

“It is important that the new headquarters remain accessible to the public in the centre of the town and I belive it sets a high standard for future regeneration in the borough.”

Chief Superintendent O’Hare added: “This year is the year of the co-op and this building is a signal to say things are getting better. In a town that has lost its court, lost its casualty department and recently lost its McDonald’s, this building says we are not going anywhere.”

The Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, praised the staff at the station who have worked through the disruption whilst the station has been being built and Brian Ritchie for the delivery of the project.

He said: “This absolutely amazing project shows that innovation and creativity can be achieved. I came here two or three years ago and when I walked in I thought ‘my god who would want to work in here everyday?’ Now it is a 21st century building fit for policing in the 21st century.”

Among the guests at the ceremony were the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Alan Godson and Gillian Brown.

Councillor Godson said: “This is the first time I have been inside, I have seen it taking shape from outside and I think it is really good. It is very positive and something to be proud of.” 

The station includes a new enquiry counter, open plan offices including a ‘hub,’ a staff canteen with indoor and outdoor eating areas and a staff gym.

Victim Support, Crime Scene Investigation and a Rape Unit will be based in the new station.