New joint police and fire base in Alvaston opens its doors

A new base for police in Derby was officially opened today, as officers and staff join Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service at Ascot Drive.

Building work was completed towards the end of March, with response officers and Safer Neighbourhood teams moving to the location from Cotton Lane.

Ascot Drive was chosen as a prime location for the facility due to its good links to the local road networks. The development links into the existing fire station which provides a shared communal area and space.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said:

“This building provides a perfect location for officers and staff to be based where they are close to the areas and communities that they are serving.

“It was unfeasible for us to stay at Cotton Lane due to the significant programme of investment that would have been required to fully refurbish the 1970s building.

“The new site also provides a perfect opportunity to work with our colleagues at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service to continue our strong working relationship.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: “Residents have told me it is crucial to have visible policing in their neighbourhoods.  This new facility, in the heart of the community, is ideally placed to serve the south of the city and will boost the delivery of the strong local policing that people want to see. 

“It is vital that investments in the police estate bring benefits to the taxpayer, as well as those working there or visiting.  This building will enhance the joint services provided by Derbyshire Constabulary and its emergency and public sector partners, while providing a modern, fit for the future facility for our officers, staff and partners.”

The nearest enquiry office for the public continues to be at St Mary’s Wharf, but there is a yellow phone outside the station which people can use to contact police.

There are now a total of seven sites across the county where police and fire are jointly located. These include:

• Joint Police and Fire Headquarters
• Joint Training Centre, near HQ
• Ashbourne
• Bakewell
• Long Eaton
• Shirebrook

Derbyshire’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Rob Taylor said: “The addition of Ascot Drive as the 7th co-location site is part of Derbyshire fire and police’s collaborative commitment to provide the best possible value for public money and the best outcomes for our communities.

 

“Co-location not only delivers efficiency savings, but it also allows us to build on each other’s strengths by sharing and exchanging information in many areas including arson reduction and road safety, all leading to improved public safety and supporting our mission of Making Derbyshire Safer Together.”