Police force considers switch from 'ageing' HQ

The headquarters opened in 1974 in Colwyn Bay

North Wales Police is "seriously considering" moving from its current headquarters, according to a councillor.

Louise Emery, who sits on the police and crime panel, told Conwy council members it is thinking about leaving the building on Abergele Road in Colwyn Bay.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service there was a project under way to replace the "ageing building" to create a headquarters that is "fit for the future".

North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said a new building could be "far more sustainable and efficient", which would help the force meet the needs of the 21st Century.

North Wales Police opened its headquarters at Glan Y Don in 1974 and currently has about 250 staff and officers.

Chief Constable Blakeman said that parts of the "ageing" estate were no longer "designed" to meet the needs of community policing.

She said a move could benefit the force financially and environmentally, but added there were "no plans" to move away from Colwyn Bay.

Emery said there were buildings in St Asaph that were coming to the end of their Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, meaning they pay a company to keep their buildings in good condition.

The agreement is due to end in 2028 with the buildings then being passed back to North Wales Police ownership.

She said the resulting savings could provide an opportunity for reinvestment into a new headquarters for North Wales Police.

She added a final decision is yet to be made.