Police HQ relocation delayed for third time

The relocation of a police headquarters has been delayed for a third time.

Thames Valley Police's Castle Street base in Reading was one of the biggest in Europe when it opened four decades ago but it was deemed too expensive to run, with a search for an alternative starting in 2012.

The force said in September last year it planned to move into new offices at Atlantic House in Imperial Way, Whitley, in December 2024.

But delays to work has meant staff are now unlikely to start moving to the new HQ before summer 2025.

The initial plan was to move in March 2022, but refitting contractors Midas Construction went into administration in January of that year.

TVP then appointed Willmott Dixon, with hopes to relocate in 2023 but later said there had been a need for more refitting work.

A TVP spokesperson said: "Work recommenced at the site in December 2023 and is expected to be completed around February 2025 and as such staff are yet to move into the building.

"The transition into Atlantic House will be phased and will look to be occupied by staff in summer 2025."

The monthly utility bill at the current headquarters amounts to £15,175, with an increase to £22,500 in January 2022.

A Freedom of Information request showed the force had spent £8.25m to occupy Atlantic House and £3m to refurbish it.

The site in Castle Street has been earmarked for demolition so that development company S2 can build 260 apartments to replace it.

It was sold to S2 subject to planning permission but that has failed to appear on Reading Borough Council's planning portal yet.

Information on the company's website states that an application is being prepared to deliver 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) of retail and commercial space along with the planned flats.

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