News that Solihull Police will move to take up a vacant building, The Priory, within the council house complex is good news. It means there is a command unit headquarters in and around the town centre and this will provide reassurance to many people. It also means that years of concern will now be coming to an end.
The closure of the existing station in Homer Road is well documented, being proposed in 2018 by the then Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable.
As a former police officer I know the station and knew much of its facilities were not used. Residents may not be aware that when built by Warwickshire Constabulary in the late 1960’s.
it contained dozens of single men’s quarters, a social club, a stage and concert room as well as senior officers dining room.
Co-location of emergency services with other public bodies is not new and there are several examples of effective collaboration in the country.
Cllr Ken Hawkins said ‘It was stated at the time the station was first mooted at being closed the force could save as much as £500,000 a year. I hope the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable can prioritise some of that saving toward more community policing in the borough’.
It is important resident are kept informed about the proposals and it is vital there is not a reduction in the efficiencies of Solihull Police.
In relation to the existing police stion, there is a Planning Application PL/2026/01091/PPFL relating to the Full planning application for the demolition of all existing buildings, and the construction of 8,937m2 office building (Use Class E), including multi storey car parking, landscaping, associated engineering works, gatehouse (12m2) and access works.
Ken Hawkins 