Search for new Cambridge police station site as public back Milton hub plans
Work is under way on finding a site for a new Cambridge police station after a consultation showed public support for a scheme which would mark the end of the current Parkside building.
According to Cambridgeshire police, the results of its February consultation, which saw more than 800 people respond, demonstrated support for replacing the outdated police station with a hub - likely to be at Milton - and a new city centre location.
Area commander for the south of Cambridgeshire, Supt James Sutherland said: “More than 70 per cent of respondents agree that a new police hub will help meet the accepted challenges of modern-day policing and population growth in Cambridgeshire.
“The majority of responses agree that the existing facilities cannot fully respond to these changing circumstances, and that a new police hub would allow us to respond more effectively.
“There is overwhelming support for the retention of a police station in Cambridge city centre, including a public enquiry point and base for the neighbourhood policing team, which we’re committed to providing.
“The constabulary is now working on proposals for the preferred site for the hub, and is identifying suitable locations for the new city centre station.”
The constabulary has said Parkside, which was built in the ‘60s, is outdated, needs lots of maintenance and does not have enough cells. It intends to sell the building and move the majority of functions out to Milton.
A new city centre police station was added to the plans following concern from many in Cambridge.
Supt Sutherland added: “We look forward to working with the community and stakeholders to ensure that the outcome of this service change works for the constabulary and its staff and, importantly, for the people it is proud to serve.”
The next stage will see the force examine potential sites for the central police station while its plans for the hub will return to the public for a final round of consultation in July.
The consultation will include details about the Milton site. A planning application for this part of the scheme is expected in the autumn.