Agenda item

This paper provides a progress update in relation to the future estate, following the purchase of a site in Leatherhead for the new Surrey Police Headquarters.

Key points raised in the discussion:

1.    The PCC introduced the report and noted that information was sensitive but could be shared with the Panel in Part 2 of the meeting.

2.    Members asked for clarification over who had ownership and responsibility for the Future Police Estates project to which the PCC noted that he had the final sign off as the owner of police buildings and controller of funding on behalf of the taxpayer, but that the foundation of the estates project was operational, meaning the Chief Constable had input.

3.    Members asked for information on project management and governance. The PCC stated that governance was being refined as part of the project as it moved from purchasing to building and that the Chief Executive was paying close attention to governance. It was stated that the PCC had external advisors to directly advise the OPCC in addition to the project team governance. The Chief Executive clarified that she was currently working through governance and assembling an Executive Board with the Chief Constable and lawyers. She agreed that the Terms of Reference of this board could be presented to the Panel and that building the future was about culture and agile working as well as the building and so needed robust governance.

4.    Members noted that the date for the move was not until 2024 but asked the PCC if he could update them on when police counters were likely to happen in areas such as Woking and Reigate which were due to have stations closed. The PCC clarified that moves had no impact on local policing and that there would be a local police presence in every district and borough and that was a pledge for the remainder of his term as PCC. He also noted that nothing would happen until the Leatherhead site was complete and this would take time.

5.    The PCC noted that the “so-called” Woking Police Station and Reigate Police Station host non-local elements and could be located anywhere in the county and so these functions would move to Leatherhead allowing for the disposal of what is called Woking Police Station. He explained that this site was not actually Woking Police Station as this was in Woking Borough Council’s offices. He expressed that the front counter would be moving next month into the council offices but as this was an operational matter it was not within his remit. He noted that the local police in Reigate would need a new building provided when the current building was disposed of but that the local policing team would remain in the borough.

6.    Members asked for details on commercial negotiations with the existing tenant and how crucial these were to ensuring the move date in 2024 could go ahead. The PCC agreed to answer this in Part 2 of the meeting as it was information regarding negotiations and contracts that was not suitable to be discussed in a public forum.

RESOLVED:

The Police and Crime Panel noted the progress in relation to the new estates model.

Actions/ Further information to be provided:

The OPCC to provide a report on the project governance at regular intervals.