Portsmouth police hub location announced

The new police investigation centre is to be built on the Merlin Park Development

The site of a new police hub for east Hampshire has been announced by the county's police and crime commissioner (PCC).

Michael Lane said the Eastern Police Investigation Centre would be built on a site leased on the Merlin Park Development, off Airport Service Road.

Housing both investigation and custody facilities, it would serve Portsmouth, Fareham, Waterlooville, Havant and Hayling Island.

It is due to open in spring 2019.

Portsmouth Central and Fareham Police Stations will be retained until the new police centre is operational and the investigative functions at Fratton and Havant police stations will also move to the new site.

A site near Havant had previously been considered by former PCC Simon Hayes, but was thought to be too expensive and too far from the city.

A statement from the PCC said the new location in the east of the city was chosen for its transport links and would "keep policing within the boundaries of Portsmouth".

Mr Lane said it had been a "long and frustrating wait" for the facility.

"It is a key example of what modern policing requires - major investment in the right operational impact and the right working environment for my colleagues.

"I do recognise people wanting local policing and we're working to make sure we are located where we are accessible," he added.