Headquarters merger between Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service makes progress
A headquarters merger between Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services has taken a significant step in its development.
The planning application for the project to be built at Sherwood Lodge has been submitted with the aim to increase efficiency, effectiveness and public safety across the two services.
It is nearly a year since the decision was made and since then a full proposal has been created to offer facilities that meet future needs.
The proposed site at Sherwood Lodge is currently HQ for Nottinghamshire Police but merger plans hope to strengthen the police and fire partnership.
Plans include the construction of a multi-functional building to house a new police control room, training centre, gym, multi-purpose hall and canteen, as well as the refurbishment of existing office buildings.
It will also see the creation of additional parking to accommodate both organisations.
Project lead, Superintendent Paul Winter explained the proposed joint headquarters will offer opportunities for many years to come.
"The Police have been at Sherwood Lodge since the 1970’s, it is an excellent geographic location to respond to incidents across the county, ensuring that we can get specialist resources such as firearms officers and dogs where they are needed to protect the public," he said.
"Developing a shared facility with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue will enable effective joint response to major incidents and it will also enhance our ability to work together.”
The scheme is said to also improve the way staff are trained and provide enabling services to support the front-line.
For example, sharing office and meeting facilities will allow both forces to work effectively and collaboratively in ensuring relevant services are deployed.
"This collaborative project offers a number of benefits that will not only improve the efficiency and effectiveness of both organisations, but will also bring us closer together to support the people of Nottinghamshire and continue to provide safer communities across the county," said Ian Pritchard, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief officer.
The officer leading the whole programme said the development will also save money that can be reinvested into front-line services.
A conclusion as to whether the planning will go ahead is expected by October this year and if successful, should be completed by the end of 2021.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said: "This is another step forward for the project and brings us even closer to realising our ambitions for a new state-of-the-art base for these two forward-thinking organisations.
"I'm very excited about the new facilities and to cement the strong partnership that already exists to improve our blue light services and increase our impact on public safety in the future."
Proposed changes to the development have ensured the principle of the Nottingham – Derby green belt initiative has been retained.
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