No. 59

$1.2 million to design new Belconnen Police Station

The ACT has taken a step towards a new police station in Belconnen, with $1.2 million in funding in the 2007-08 Budget for forward design of a new building.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell today announced the funding, which has been provided for the detailed design phase and procurement preparedness of a new building,.

“I am pleased to see another major step forward in the establishment of a brand-new police station for Canberra’s northside,” Mr Corbell said.

“ACT Policing officers in Belconnen will be housed in a new state-of-the-art facility to better serve their needs and the ACT community for many years to come.”

The new police station is proposed to be constructed adjacent to the Winchester Police Centre site on Belconnen Way, the location of ACT Policing’s Headquarters.

“This will create a ‘police precinct’ in Belconnen with the opportunity for the new station to share some services and amenities with the Winchester Police Centre,” Mr Corbell said.

“The current Belconnen Police Station has served our police men and women well for many years but has almost passed its use-by date,” he said.

“The proposed new station will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for an expected 100 police and staff members who will be based there, along with improved access and amenities for members of the public requiring police assistance.”

There are a range of facilities being planned for the station including:
•	public access foyer and counter;
•	holding cells and incident rooms;
•	welfare counselling and victim of crime room;
•	muster room;
•	breath analysis area; and
•	secure and visitor car parks.

“Planning for a new police station in Belconnen is recognition by the ACT Government of the great work our police officers do to ensure a safe Canberra community,” Mr Corbell said.