North Yorkshire Police have completed the purchase of Alverton Court, which will be the new headquarters for North Yorkshire Police.
Alverton Court was previously the Rural Payments Agency, and is in the centre of Northallerton, the county town of North Yorkshire, and six miles from the current headquarters at Newby Wiske Hall.
The total cost of the move to Alverton Court is estimated to be £7m, which includes the purchase price of the building, the cost of fitting out the offices, and the relocation itself. North Yorkshire Police hopes to move into its new HQ in late summer/early autumn 2017, after work to fit-out the building is completed.
The Alverton Court site was bought on Friday 21 August 2015 for £4.5m (£4.7 with Stamp Duty).
Constructed in 1999, Alverton Court offers modern facilities and good public transport links. North Yorkshire Police selected the site because it is just six miles from the current HQ, so there will be minimal impact on the workforce, but it will be cheaper to run in comparison with the Grade II listed 17th century building at Newby Wiske.
Newby Wiske Hall will be put up for sale as soon as is practicable, and the force is in discussion with planners at Hambleton District Council about potential uses for the site.
Commenting on the confirmation of Alverton Court as the new HQ, Chief Constable Dave Jones said:
I am very pleased that the purchase of Alverton Court has been completed. The new accommodation will be much more in keeping with our needs as a modern and progressive police service.
Leader of Hambleton District Council, Cllr Mark Robson, said:
The move into Northallerton by North Yorkshire Police will boost the District Council’s ambitious plans to redevelop the prison site – where we hope to see retail, leisure, housing, business and community uses. The Rural Payment Agency closed at the same time as the prison and that has had an effect on the economy of the town. Both these schemes will help rejuvenate Northallerton and add to the vibrancy of our county town.
The council also looks forward to working with North Yorkshire Police to find the best possible future use for the current Newby Wiske base.
