New £14m Durham Police HQ would 'save force money'

The current building is more than 40 years old

New headquarters for Durham Police would cost £14m but save the force money in the long-term, the force's authority has said.

It is seeking planning permission for the building at Aykley Heads, close to the city centre.

Durham Police authority said the new building would create a "modern office environment" and generate substantial annual savings in running costs.

If given the go-ahead, work could start in the Autumn and be complete by 2018.

It is also asking Durham County Council give outline planning consent for housing on the site of the original headquarters.

Peter Thompson, chair of Durham Police Authority, described it as "an exciting project".

"We're looking forward to working with the county council to produce a development which is both worthy of and sympathetic to the site," he said.

"The new premises should generate substantial savings and enable the constabulary to deliver an even better policing service to the people of County Durham and Darlington."

The present building dates back to 1969 when the first phase was opened by former Prime Minister Jim Callaghan, who was then Home Secretary.