New HQ building for Greater Manchester Police located at Central Park, Newton Heath in East Manchester.

Planning permission granted Apr-09, construction commenced Jul-09, due for completion Mar-11.

A number of partner agencies are involved in the relocation project. The main organisations are Ask:Goodman, a joint venture company made up of integrated property group Goodman and regional developer Ask; New East Manchester, an urban regeneration company and Manchester City Council. The total cost of the new investment is £64m.

Architects: Aedas (http://www.aedas.com/Europe/GreaterManchesterPolice)

Developers: Ask (http://www.askdevelopments.com/projects/details/10785) : Goodman (http://www.goodman.com)

Central Park website:
http://www.downtownmanchester.com

http://i47.tinypic.com/1qhny0.jpg (http://www.aedas.com/images/pageimages/d5d94b36-4d2f-4f0b-b2ee-95b57d0e5d9b.jpg)
Click here for larger copy... (http://www.aedas.com/images/pageimages/d5d94b36-4d2f-4f0b-b2ee-95b57d0e5d9b.jpg)

http://i51.tinypic.com/200u255.jpg
http://www.downtownmanchester.com/templates/cp_aerial/images/aerials_04.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/qpjxgh.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/6syx3l.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/28usbk1.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/23ixibq.jpg


Divisional HQ:

http://i52.tinypic.com/2u5ezcg.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/314rpco.jpg

Not too sure how many updates this thread will get, but thought it was worth creating one since it is a £64m project. Didn't link the location of The Sharp Project to this until I saw the site map.

Good thread. Its in a smart location with its proximity to the Met Central Park station and Rochdale Road, just a shame thats its one of the slowest developing business sites in the world...... and its next to Monsall.

From PNW:
GM Police buys second site from Ask:Goodman
http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5143-gm-police-buys-second-site-from-ask-goodman.html)
15 Jan 2010, 13:32

Greater Manchester Police Authority has confirmed widely touted plans for a new divisional headquarters for North Manchester to be built at Central Park.

The £56m scheme follows the announcement last year of a new overall Force HQ, now on site at the same business park, being developed by Ask:Goodman.

David Burkinshaw, director at Ask Developments said: "Ask:Goodman welcomes the news from the GMPA that this deal has taken a major step forward. The creation of a new divisional headquarters for Greater Manchester Police, subject to the Government confirming the promised funding, is extremely positive for Central Park and we look forward to receiving formal approval in due course."
...
Subject to final approval being given in the coming weeks, building work to create the new divisional HQ is expected to start in February. It is due for completion in September 2011.
full article here... (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5143-gm-police-buys-second-site-from-ask-goodman.html)

I cannot remember; does this mean Bootle St will stay, or go?

I should really have posted the full article...it's closing, heres another article on it in Crains:
http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100115/FREE/100119891/1031/-/-/bootle-street-police-station-to-close

CDX already posted it.

I understand the benefits of modernisation and the much needed expansion, but surely there is an advantage of having an inner city police station for the deterrence of crime and the safety of residents. Collyhurst, although not mentioned here, is to become home only for the Police tactical unit and property offices. The walk-in element of it will close, and since bootle street will close, what will people do if they are mugged in town? At least knowing bootle street was a walk away and you could get there by foot...

^^ I think they should resurrect the old police boxes for town.

Nah probably not, they'll be drawing crowds of kids thinking Dr.Who's arriving in his trusty tardis.

Or worse, the lager louts will be using them for urinals...

newcomer to skyscrapercity :)
first ever post.

http://s838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/?action=view&current=P1010037.jpg

hope you like it!

Cheers for that mr cool, was starting to think we would only get a shot of it when completed.

Welcome to the forum.

newcomer to skyscrapercity :)
first ever post.

http://s838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/?action=view&current=P1010037.jpg

hope you like it!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010037.jpg

GM Police Authority rubber-stamps divisional HQ plans

19 Feb 2010, 10:14

Michael Hunt

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7578/gmpapolicedivision.jpg

Plans for a new divisional headquarters for North Manchester to be built at Central Park have been given final approval by Greater Manchester Police Authority.

The 125,273 sq ft building, being designed by Aedas and costing £35m, forms part the £56m scheme announced last year of a new overall 240,000 sq ft Force HQ, now on site at the same business park, being developed by Ask:Goodman on behalf of urban regeneration company New East Manchester.

David Burkinshaw, director at Ask Developments, said: "Ask:Goodman is delighted the deal with GMP/GMPA has been finalised. Securing another HQ building for Greater Manchester Police is another successful step forward for the Park and we look forward to getting started on site in the immediate future."

James Raven, development director for UK Business Parks at Goodman, said: "Approval from the Greater Manchester Police Authority for a new divisional headquarters really puts Manchester Central Park on the map. Both the Force headquarters and divisional headquarters deal highlight the significant need from many public sector organisations to overhaul ageing facilities in order to improve services and we look forward to working with GMPA to help them achieve this. With a great deal of activity taking place at Central Park this year and with the Metrolink arriving in 2011, it is proving to be the ideal destination for many businesses."

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, added: "This announcement strengthens Central Park in east Manchester as an office destination, bringing more jobs and investment to the area. The stunning building for the Force headquarters is now really taking shape and to have the North Manchester divisional headquarters positioned next to it will be a superb addition to the site, helping to deliver significant regeneration benefits to the people of east Manchester."

It means Bootle Street, Newton Heath and Grey Mare Lane police stations will all close as they no longer support the needs of a 21st Century police force. In addition, Collyhurst Police Station is being refurbished and accommodation will be provided for a Neighbourhood Policing Team at Bradford Park.

Custody facilities at the sites earmarked for demolition and those at Collyhurst Police Station will be replaced by one facility to hold 30 cells on the same site as the new divisional HQ.

In addition, custody facilities for use by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit hub will also be located at Central Park.

A total of 12 CTU cells are planned and funding for eight of them at a cost of almost £5m is to be provided by the Government's Office of Security and Counter Terrorism.

GMPA will provide funding for the remaining four cells and all the other elements of the reorganisation of North Manchester Division project. The authority contribution totals more than £51m.

Work is due for completion in September 2011.

The refurbishment of Collyhurst Police Station is set to begin in November 2011 and take 12 months to complete.

Both Bootle Street and Grey Mare Lane police stations are to be disposed of when market conditions are more favourable. The disposal of Newton Heath is expected in November 2011.

Cushman & Wakefield and Lambert Smith Hampton advise Ask:Goodman.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5432-gm-police-authority-rubber-stands-divisional-hq-plans.html

The new Police HQ is now starting to gain some cladding.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000342.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010200.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010201.jpg

Slightly bigger render of the divisional HQ.

http://www.downtownmanchester.com/images/stories/gmp_div.jpg

Bigger. Looks better than the main HQ imo. Good all round development for the area. Modern, not necessarily just in the architecture, but in the concept.

http://www.downtownmanchester.com/images/stories/gmp_div1.jpg

Looks quite alot different in real life than in the render. I mean what has happened to all the glass?!

Looks quite alot different in real life than in the render. I mean what has happened to all the glass?!

This is the divisional HQ that will be located across the road from the big HQ that is currently under construction in the images above.

Ahh thanks Seasonedbest. I didnt realise two buildings were being built. I was thinking my god how can they get away with this, its totally different lol.

James & Taylor secures police HQ contract

6 Apr 2010, 10:39

Cladding specialist James & Taylor has won the contract to dress part of the new headquarters for Greater Manchester Police at Central Park.

James & Taylor will supply 15,700 sq ft of its 'eyetech' expanded mesh in clear anodised aluminium to clad the multi-storey car park element of the new £63m building designed by Aedas Architects.

The eyetech system was developed with the Expanded Metal Company and has been used to clad New York's Museum of Contemporary Art, the car park in Media City UK and the Stephen Lawrence Centre in London.

Andrew Barstow of James & Taylor's Manchester office said: "Aedas wants to create a landmark building to replace GMP's existing headquarters in Old Trafford. Our design team worked very closely with them to create a facade using both conventionally aligned and inverted eyetech panels, which will give a unique and very exciting visual appearance. This is the first project to use the panels in this format. We are delighted to be working on such an important building in an area of Manchester that has seen massive regeneration in recent years."

Geoff Goodman of Aedas Architects said: "With a car park on such a prominent site it was important to carry through the main building's quality of finish and visual interest into the deck façade. The use of quality materials such as white precast concrete panels and the eyetech in their varied configurations will draw from the palette used on the main building for continuity, but the mesh will further enliven the car park façade in its own right."

The police HQ is due to be completed in 2011.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5800-james-and-taylor-secures-police-hq-contract.html

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010252.jpg

Short Update. Hope you like them.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010312-1.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010314-1.jpg

GMP new force HQ reaches a high point in Central Park

26/05/2010

Police leaders and partners are gathering on the rooftop of the new building at Central Park in Newton Heath, north east Manchester to watch the Chief Constable Peter Fahy and Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) Gloria Oates secure a golden bolt and sign the final piece of steel.

Mr Fahy said: “We are working to ensure we provide the best and most efficient service for the people of Greater Manchester. This modern, fit for purpose Headquarters will encourage team-working and improve communication to enable us to work more efficiently and get the most value from our tightening budget so we can in turn spend more on frontline policing. It’s great to see the future taking shape before my eyes.”

Mrs Oates added: “I’m delighted this project is continuing to develop at such an impressive rate. The current HQ is out-of-date, exhausted and expensive to keep together. This new building will be more efficient. It will allow better team working and flexibility and will enable more effort to be put into front line policing. I have every confidence these benefits will be felt across all our communities.”

Building contractors, Carillion, placed the traditional evergreen yew branch on the structure to symbolise growth and to bring good luck.

The £64m 240,000 sq ft Force HQ, designed by Aedas, will be a highly sophisticated office building, with a BREEAM rating aspiring to reach Excellent. Coloured glass and a Portland stone look will be key features of the six-storey building which will be visible from Piccadilly and glow blue at night.

Dominic Manfredi of Aedas Architecture said: “We are delighted that the construction of the new Force Headquarters has reached this significant landmark and look forward to the completion of the project and welcoming its new occupants in 2011.”

The new development replaces the Force’s current headquarters in Old Trafford and will help ensure GMP is able to meet the challenges of policing the Greater Manchester area in the coming years. Staff and officers are expected to be working from the new HQ towards the end of 2011.

David Burkinsaw of Ask: Goodman Developments said: “This Topping Out event marks the final completion of the building’s structure. Ask:Goodman, together with its partners, is delighted to celebrate this traditional ceremony which marks a significant step forward for the Park. Its prime location and dedicated transport interchange will give staff the ease of access needed for their relocation and with more than 1,000 people expected to occupy the HQ, Central Park’s business community will be boosted significantly. We look forward to the final fit-out being completed in summer 2011.”

The new £36.5m transport gateway is already in place, and there will be a dedicated tram stop – just five minutes away from Manchester City Centre, which is expected to be operational by 2011.

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester said: “It’s great to see this iconic building nearing completion. This building, alongside the divisional headquarters, has raised the profile of Central Park considerably and is already helping us attract further investment into this part of east Manchester. Central Park continues to be a significant economic generator for the area and we will continue to work closely with our funding partners, the NWDA and the HCA, to bring further economic benefits for the people of east Manchester.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/41670/gmp-new-force-hq-reaches-a-high-point-in-central-park

Update

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010424.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010412.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010423.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010419.jpg

Divisional HQ opposite the GM HQ
Works under way.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010416.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010417.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010414.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010413.jpg

Good pictures Mr Cool. For a moment I thought the first picture was an artist impression!

Thanks Sifter for the kind comments, i try to take the best pictures every time i go out!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010424.jpg
^^
Thanks for the pics. I think this will look great when its finished. It looks like a progressively modern Police campus with dedicated station. I'm happy they've stuck to the turquoise colour theme that matches the station, and it should make it look less dated when complete. Does anyone know if their are any police developments like this in the country, or are most Police still based in their city centres?

Wigan a few years ago moved from this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2394/1792088488_00b27a16a2.jpg?v=0
Hardened building in the town centre designed during the troubles

To this on the edge of the town centre
http://www.hicl.hsbc.com/hicl/images/zone2/portfolio/wigan.jpg
The smaller building in the foreground is a public police station connected through security doors to the larger police HQ behind it.

To this on the edge of the town centre
http://www.hicl.hsbc.com/hicl/images/zone2/portfolio/wigan.jpg
The smaller building in the foreground is a public police station connected through security doors to the larger police HQ behind it.


Wierd. This one looks EXACTLY like the one in Swinton. I know GMP do it to save money, but it isn't half strange :lol:

Wierd. This one looks EXACTLY like the one in Swinton. I know GMP do it to save money, but it isn't half strange :lol:


GMP has over the past few years replaced a lot of their stations with this identikit design. Some differ in size and orientation but thats it. Eccles and Salford (Pendleton) are almost identical as well, I think Levenshulme is too.

Pendleton
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/4090144988_da210964b7.jpg

Swinton
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/3074175575_661a90b5f8.jpg

Handily the GMP have a picture of the central police station in each district on their website. I only checked 4 of the boroughs as its time consuming, the design seems to primarily be used in the west of the county and is more rarely used as you move central then east.

Most of these are just the smaller station without the HQ, but:
Bolton Central same design, as is Horwich, Atherton, Bamfurlong
Quite amusing really.

Ashton-Under-Lyne :)

http://www.ashton-under-lyne.com/images/aul356.jpg

Steelwork rising on the divisional HQ,

http://i32.tinypic.com/lfzoh.jpg

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae73/cdx410/Central_Park_1.jpg

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae73/cdx410/Central_Park_2.jpg

Update. Most of the exterior cladding and glass facades are now fitted out.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010707.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010694.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010696.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010698.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010700.jpg

The divisional headquarters is now gaining some pace.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010699.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010702.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010703.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010705.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010693.jpg

Update. Most of the exterior cladding and glass facades are now fitted out.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010707.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010694.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010696.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010698.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010700.jpg

The divisional headquarters is now gaining some pace.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010699.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010702.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010703.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010705.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/P1010693.jpg

Divisional HQ at the weekend.

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae73/cdx410/Central%20Park/CentralPark1.jpg

Wonky windows should be banned for at least 10 years

Police building tops out at Central Park

27th January 2011

A TOPPING out ceremony has taken place at Greater Manchester Police's new divisional headquarters at Central Park at Newton Heath in north Manchester.

The 50,000 sq ft office building, designed by Aedas and developed by Ask:Goodman, is under construction on the 5.3 acre plot adjacent to the force's new HQ building.

It is spread over four floors and wraps around the single storey custody block to the south, which contains 30 cells and a high security holding facility.

A glass-roofed internal street runs the full length of the building, creating a break between the office and the custody areas. Large pre-cast concrete elements frame the office elevation and lighter glass panels.

Glass cladding areas emphasise the circulation stairs at either end of the building and mask the more private areas on ground and third floors.

The new divisional headquarters is part of a £56m project to reorganise police buildings in north Manchester with a mix of funding provided by Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) and the Government.

David Burkinshaw, on behalf of developers, Ask:Goodman, said: "The ceremony marks the final completion of the building's structure and is a significant step forward for the Park and GMP’s programme to replace existing facilities in order to improve services.

More than 1,000 people will occupy the divisional headquarters and the force's HQ next door.

"We look forward to completing the building in November 2011 when we will have delivered a total of 700,000 sq ft of new business space," said Burkinshaw.

Chairman of GMPA, Manchester City Councillor Paul Murphy said: “It’s great to see work which has been planned for many years coming to life. This is the latest new police building provided by GMPA as part of a Force Estates Strategy mapped out back in 2006.

"Our new police buildings are all about enabling officers to work more efficiently and effectively so the service people receive is not only a good one but also represents value for money. I have every confidence this building will help achieve that.”

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/120717-police-building-tops-out-at-one-central-park.html?news_section=4150

I only live local so thought I'd grab a shot of the progress for you all while I was passing.

Here's the new Headquarters:
http://i51.tinypic.com/1zgxdsi.jpg

And here's the new station:
http://i52.tinypic.com/2ci6xjc.jpg

That's turned out far better than I thought it would. With this and the new Metrolink station opening soon nearby, the area's looking very promising.

Cheers CHG, not passed there in a while. Looks good. Opposite way round though. The new HQ is the larger building, and the new 'grey mare lane' divisional station is the smaller one.

Cheers CHG, not passed there in a while. Looks good. Opposite way round though. The new HQ is the larger building, and the new 'grey mare lane' divisional station is the smaller one.

Ahhhh... I always wondered why the "station" was bigger than the "HQ" lol... my fault, believing anything an Irish workman tells me!
That was a joke by the way people... before the Liberal brigade track me down for execution!

Update.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0705.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0686.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0668.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0681.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0678.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0675.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0672.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0666.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0688.jpg

Taken from a different viewpoint.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/DSC_0015.jpg

Never been to this area of Manchester. It looks completely different to anywhere else in Manchester.

From the photos, it looks to have a Milton Keynes / US vibe. And that roundabout with the sculpture looks like all it missing is 10,000 pro-democracy demonstrators.

Must go and check it out.

Never been to this area of Manchester. It looks completely different to anywhere else in Manchester.

From the photos, it looks to have a Milton Keynes / US vibe. And that roundabout with the sculpture looks like all it missing is 10,000 pro-democracy demonstrators.

Must go and check it out.

To be fair mate, before you go out of your way to visit there's not much in that area other than the new GMP site and the Manchester Communication Academy about 5 mins away.

It looks great in those pics but it's just that site really, rest of the area is council estates and terrace houses.

Though it was the original site of Manchester United's football ground! (Where the college car park is now situated). Suppose that's worth a visit but they've not even got a plaque to commemorate the fact! :ohno:

Here's the location if you're interested:
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6519/hmpq.jpg

I must say though, with the amount of spare land and empty houses which could be demolished, the area has great potential for a M.K. like development. Especially with 2 new Metrolink stations in close proximity and being sandwitched in the middle of 2 main routes into the City (Rochdale Road/Oldham Road)...
Now if only someone would borrow me a couple' hundred mill'

Though it was the original site of Manchester United's football ground! (Where the college car park is now situated). Suppose that's worth a visit but they've not even got a plaque to commemorate the fact! :ohno:

Thanks for the heads up. Although, not too bothered about the MUFC link, as I am a Liverpool supporter :)

The mere thought of that area becoming anything remotely like Milton Keynes fills me with anger. MK is perhaps the most depressing place in the world and east Manchester has got far too much character to be compared with it.

That part of Newton Heath/Monsall/Moston has got great potential though and the area immediately surrounding central park is ripe for development.

The mere thought of that area becoming anything remotely like Milton Keynes fills me with anger. MK is perhaps the most depressing place in the world and east Manchester has got far too much character to be compared with it.

That part of Newton Heath/Monsall/Moston has got great potential though and the area immediately surrounding central park is ripe for development.

Yeah, I can't see Milton Keynes in this at all apart from the presence of roundabouts. I've been to Milton Keynes and this is thankfully a world away from it. This is just a small, and considerably modern and quite well planned business park. Comparisons would be more suitable with the Changi Business Park in Singapore for its location style.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/Changi_Business_Park%2C_Jul_06.JPG/800px-Changi_Business_Park%2C_Jul_06.JPG

The mere thought of that area becoming anything remotely like Milton Keynes fills me with anger. MK is perhaps the most depressing place in the world and east Manchester has got far too much character to be compared with it.

That part of Newton Heath/Monsall/Moston has got great potential though and the area immediately surrounding central park is ripe for development.

The point I was making was the pictures make it look like MK and not like East Manchester which I know very well (I grew up in Droylsden). I also joked that it looked like that roundabout in Bahrain.

As it happens, I don't mind the centre of MK, as it is different. And therefore, I like the look of Central Park - vive la difference

Interestingly, I did a workshop their for the Homes and Communities Agency and the folk of MK are very passionate about their new town and point out that the new towns are doing really well (circa 2009). So, maybe some of the ethos of the new towns on a much smaller scale and a solution better integrated into the wider environs might be worth thinking about. MK apparently struggles on this last point.

Pixel2006 ducks for cover.

Does anyone have a pic I can use for a story about the completion of the HQ building for Place North West please? The PRs have sent a cheesey shot of the chief constable and development chief exec handing over over a cardboard key and claim not to have any of the building. Indeed.

Thanks

Paul

^^I'm sure there will be someone kind enough to oblige.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/_DSC0666.jpg

This is definately my favourite of the two. Really simple and understated building. Green and white.

Does anyone have a pic I can use for a story about the completion of the HQ building for Place North West please? The PRs have sent a cheesey shot of the chief constable and development chief exec handing over over a cardboard key and claim not to have any of the building. Indeed.

Thanks

Paul

Sure Paul. I've taken quite alot of pictures of this construction over the last few months. Give me your email address so I can send you some.

Cheers,

Adam.

http://c.cpub.co.uk/i/EXF/2YA3_M.jpg

DEVELOPMENT partners Ask:Goodman officially handed over the GMPA Force Headquarters to Greater Manchester Police, who will now begin the next phase of fit-out of the building before moving in over the coming months.

Built by contractors Carillion and designed by Aedas, the £64m, 240,000 sq ft force HQ has a BREEAM rating of Excellent and uses coloured glass and stone. The six-storey building is visible from Piccadilly.

The GMPA’s move to the Park will see more than 1,000 people added to the business community in Cewntral Park, which also counts Fujitsu as occupants, at One Central Park.

"We are at the start of an exciting new era of policing and it is extremely reassuring to know that the police officers and staff who work to keep Greater Manchester communities safe have the 21st Century tools they need to do a good job."

Jim Johnston, director of Ask:Goodman said; “We have been working closely with the Greater Manchester Police Authority for a number of years to get to today and we’re delighted with the building and believe it really puts Central Park on the map."

Ken Knott, also a joint venture director and chief executive of Ask Developments, said: “The GMPA is a great addition to the park and with more than 1,000 people working in the building, they should bring a real atmosphere to the community.”

GMPA Chairman Cllr Paul Murphy said: "This new HQ building will be the most modern, fit-for-purpose police building in the UK and that is something GMPA is extremely proud of.

"A project of this scale and size takes an incredible amount of hard work and commitment from everyone involved and I'm delighted we've made excellent progress throughout.

"We are at the start of an exciting new era of policing and it is extremely reassuring to know that the police officers and staff who work to keep Greater Manchester communities safe have the 21st Century tools they need to do a good job."

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: “To see the completion of this building is another major milestone in the regeneration of East Manchester. This building, alongside the divisional headquarters, has raised the profile of Central Park considerably and is attracting further interest to this part of Manchester.

"Central Park is a significant economic generator for East Manchester and with the new Metrolink line soon to be serving this area, the potential for future growth looks very promising.”

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Property/Ask-hands-over-new-GMP-HQ

The thought police: Sneak preview of GMP's new headquarters

Exclusive by John Scheerhout

October 22, 2011

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/376.$plit/C_71_article_1462665_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?22%2F10%2F2011%2009%3A06%3A04%3A881

Officers at GMP’s new police HQ will be inspired by quotes from John Lennon, Einstein, Martin Luther King, and the man behind McDonald’s.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy and his senior command team wanted the walls to inspire their staff and so together they drew up a list of motivational figures from around the world, together with their most up-lifting quotes.

The M.E.N. was given a sneak preview of the £64m building which is nearing completion at Central Park in Newton Heath.

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/77.$plit/C_71_article_1462665_image_list_image_list_item_1_image.jpg?22%2F10%2F2011%2009%3A06%3A04%3A881

One quote from John Lennon states: "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."

Nearby a quote from Hollywood actor Mickey Rooney says: "You always pass failure on the way to success." On the same floor a huge mural features Martin Luther King beside the quote: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Orison Swett Marden, the late American author of motivational books, is quoted on another wall: "The golden rule for every businessman is this: put yourself in the customers’ place."

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/32.$plit/C_71_article_1462665_image_list_image_list_item_2_image.jpg?22%2F10%2F2011%2009%3A06%3A04%3A881

Another American author, Kenneth Blanchard, whose books on leadership have sold millions around the world, says in another quote: "The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority."

Yet another American author, science fiction write Ursula Le Guin, says this on another wall: "It’s good to have an end to journey towards; but it’s the journey that matters in the end."

Elsewhere Albert Einstein is quoted: "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/421.$plit/C_71_article_1462665_image_list_image_list_item_3_image.jpg?22%2F10%2F2011%2009%3A06%3A04%3A881

Double Noble-prize winning scientist Marie Curie virtually has an entire wall to herself on the fifth floor, featuring a picture and these words: "We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."

Ray Kroc, the American who made McDonald’s into a world-wide fast-food giant, has also been reserved some space, saying: "If you love what you are doing and always put the customer first, success will be yours."

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1462665_the-thought-police-sneak-preview-of-gmps-new-headquarters

I bet Lennon is spinning in his grave mind!

Wait till the Daily Fail get hold of this

Can not work out if all this art and lyricism is really the heir of "sir" James Anderton.

Those old enough to remember the vigilante style of latin American policing enforced in the 80s Mancunia may smile that John Lennon is quoted in their lair.

It all seems surreal.

Embarrasing.

Was passing there about 4am this morning (don't ask!) and grabbed a couple of pics. The place is pretty impressive at night... unlike the camera on my phone - sorry for the quality :-(

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7509/imag044411.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/64/imag044411.jpg/)

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1295/imag04451.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/15/imag04451.jpg/)

Walked past this afternoon, REALLY like the lower-rise part of this (i.e. not the building in the above photos). Very clean 60s modernism - done right. Looks like something from Brazil, perhaps?

I love the blue lights at the entrance, it looks great! :D

Blog post from the Chief Constable with an update on the HQs,
New Force Headquarters

Recent weeks saw the opening of the new force headquarters. The new building is smart and functional but certainly not extravagant. A lot of people have worked very hard to get it delivered on time and to budget and to get all the IT and other facilities up and running. Staff will move in gradually over the next few months.

The building is deliberately designed to encourage the most effective use of the space and so most staff will not have a dedicated desk but nevertheless there will be enough desks for the number of people who are working in there at any one time. As part of the planning agreement we have to reduce car usage and so the numbers of car parking spaces are also reduced. As more staff move in we can move out of other buildings and so save the rent.

Across the road from the HQ is the new North Manchester police station and staff start to move in there before Christmas. I know some staff may feel that these buildings are a waste of money and we should have spent it on employing more staff. As I have explained before this is not possible because these are separate budgets and money meant for buildings and equipment in the capital budget cannot be used for staff wages. In any case these projects were started before the cuts were announced and we need to replace buildings that are no longer fit for purpose.

Now the building is open staff will be able to see the nature of the supposed artwork some of the local press made so much of and how it fits into the decoration of the building. We could have put pictures or patterns up on the wall but we have put words and some images of famous people.

The press also published a story about our use of management consultants. The story said we had spent 3 million on this over the past five years. Given that in the period our budget was over 3 billion this represents less than one thousandth of the budget. We used consultants to help us achieve the budget reductions and improve the service to the public. They provide expertise in disciplines such as workload analysis but do not substitute for managers having to make hard decisions themselves. They have helped us achieve savings far in excess of what they have cost us. At present we have other consultants in looking at how we can make better use of our buildings and how we can make money out of those we no longer need. Our overall building costs are over 30 million a year so there are significant savings to be made.

http://www.gmp.police.uk/live/CommBlog.nsf/d6plinks/WADN-8PDKP3

Ask:Goodman hand over Central Park police base

23 Jan 2012, 14:24

North Manchester Divisional Police has started moving into the new 125,000 sq ft headquarters in Central Park in east Manchester.

The Aedas-designed building has been officially handed over the by the Ask:Goodman development to Greater Manchester Police Authority of funding provided by GMPA and the Government.

David Burkinshaw, on behalf of developers, Ask:Goodman, said: "Ask:Goodman has now delivered a total of 700,000 sq ft of new business space in Central Park. The handover is a significant step forward for the Park and GMP's programme to replace existing facilities in order to improve services.

"Together with Force HQ, more than 1,500 people will occupy the two buildings. This will boost the vibrant business community already based here and proves that Central Park is an ideal location for many businesses."

Central Park is located just 1.5 miles from the city centre and, with its Transport Gateway providing a direct link to Manchester city centre and high quality office space, has proved to be major attraction for occupiers looking for an out of town location.

Cllr Paul Murphy, chairman of GMPA, said: "It's great to see this fantastic building come to life in the heart of the communities we serve. This has been in the planning for many years and, as with the new Force HQ just across the road, the North Manchester Divisional Headquarters will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities enabling officers and staff to work more efficiently and provide a police service to the residents of North Manchester, that is not only effective, but also represents value for money."

The dedicated Metrolink stop will be operational later this year.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/10946-ask-goodman-hand-over-police-base.html

Guess this ones now for the completed subforum

From a random website in Bury....
GMP Force Headquarters officially opens its doors

The communities of Greater Manchester came together on Monday 6 February 2012 to welcome Greater Manchester Police into their new home.

Faith leaders, local councillors, representatives from partner agencies and members of the local community were among more than 100 people who will celebrate the official opening of the new Force Headquarters at Central Park in Newton Heath.

Local school children led the celebrations with a performance by pupils from St Edmund’s RC Primary School in Miles Platting, welcoming Greater Manchester Police to their community.

Speeches from Cllr Paul Murphy, GMPA Chairman, and Chief Constable Peter Fahy, were followed with a presentation by primary school pupils from across the region.

Children from ten schools, representing each of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, presented Cllr Murphy and the Chief Constable with a piece of artwork inspired by community, faith and policing.

When put together, the ten pieces form a map of Greater Manchester and will be displayed in the atrium of the new building.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

Cllr Paul Murphy, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, said: “This is an iconic building which has been many years in the planning, so it’s fantastic to see it finally come to life.

“Not only is this a headquarters for GMP, it is also for the people of Greater Manchester which is why it’s great to have local school children with us today to welcome GMP to the neighbourhood. Their involvement truly emphasises the welcoming, community feel of the building and local schools will be invited in to learn about the police service, past, present and future, and build valuable links between GMP and the community – links that will prove vital in the future.

“From the very beginning of the project, the Police Authority has always been proud to be part of this important development. Members shared a vision for this building; for it to be fit-for-purpose, completed to the highest standards and prove to be an excellent investment for the future. This vision has now been realised, and will provide a lasting legacy for the communities of Greater Manchester.”

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "This is a modern functional building but certainly not an extravagant one. It represents a wise investment by the Police Authority which over many years will help the Force reduce the costs of office space and energy. The Force needs to significantly reduce accommodation costs and adopt modern ways of working such as open plan space and shared desks. Where possible we also need to share buildings with other agencies.

“It is fitting that this building is being opened by local school children. It reminds everyone that our over-riding duty is to serve local people and ensure that the maximum possible effort is put into the protection of the public by reducing financial overheads. This sense of duty was laid down by Sir Robert Peel the inventor of modern policing who was born a short distance from the site. His memory and the principles of policing he laid down are rightly celebrated in the entrance way."

David Burkinshaw, on behalf of developers, Ask:Goodman, said: "Ask:Goodman has now delivered a total of 700,000 sq ft of new business space in Central Park. The opening of GMP Force HQ is a significant step forward for the Park and GMP’s programme to replace existing facilities in order to improve services.

“Together with the Divisional HQ, more than 1,500 people will occupy the two buildings. This will boost the vibrant business community already based here and proves that Central Park is an ideal location for many businesses."
http://www.buryfocus.co.uk/news-features/17/news-headlines/66546/gmp-force-headquarters-officially-opens-its-doors

Does anyone know what they plan to do with the Chester House site once they have all moved? its quite a large site including car parks

^^ Not been confirmed yet. They seem to be making decisions on a bi-weekly basis.

The new building is turning green. Meant to post this the other day but whatever materials they’ve used for the cladding, it is shite. I expect its the ‘wonderful’ reconstituted stone they are using for onespq.

Police base among BCO North winners

1 May 2012, 12:59

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x208.06640625/may_12/pnw__1335872767_GMP.jpg

The Ask Goodman joint venture and architects Aedas are celebrating after winning a British Council of Offices North award for best corporate workplace for the 240,000 sq ft Greater Manchester Police Force Headquarters at Central Park, east Manchester.

BCO's Northern Awards brings together the cream of the region's architects, designers, developers and occupiers, all of whom vie for critical acclaim from the industry organisation. Judges said the quality of entries this year had been "truly exceptional" and described the GMP Force HQ as "an iconic, state-of-the-art headquarters with a real presence."

BCO judges continued: "The building shows the GMP as a modern, outward-looking, forward-thinking organisation and provides the optimum working environment for their team. The building's environment provides a sense of drama, inspires the individual and lifts the spirit of the end user."

Other winners this year included English Cities Fund's No.4 St Paul's Square in Liverpool, the fit-out for BBC North at Media City UK, and the Arts Council England's office at The Hive in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

Regional award winners will compete for national prizes at a ceremony in London in October.

Jim Johnson, managing director of Goodman, said: "Ask:Goodman is delighted to receive this BCO North award. It is recognition not just for the excellence of the design but also the collaborative way in which our respective teams have worked together , which has led to the delivery of a building superbly suited to GMP's programme to replace existing facilities in order to improve services.

"Ask: Goodman has delivered a total of 700,000 sq ft of new business space in Central Park and more than 1,500 people will occupy the two buildings. This will boost the vibrant business community already based here and proves that Central Park is an ideal location for many businesses."

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/11561-police-base-among-bco-north-winners.html

To complete the circle, the old HQ building is being torn down now:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8671003427_e603440055.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alr1970/8671003427/in/photostream)

Nearly gone now:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/8726423550_a20dae65ce_b.jpg

The core has stood alone for about a week now, and I wondered if they were going to dynamite it as it was out of reach of the nibbler, but they've made a tall mound of all the rubble and sat the machine on top of it.