GREENOCK’S police station is getting £1 million of improvements after authorities decided against relocating the base, saying the present building is the ‘best long term solution.’

Strathclyde Police Authority have applied for planning permission to alter the Rue End Street premises including re-roofing, replacing windows, window infilling and painting.

A report about the project stated: “Greenock Police Office has been included in numerous previous feasibility studies for co-location/relocation, both separately and as part of a co-location proposal. Several proposals were looked at for co-locating with other public sector service providers, but with no success, generally as a result of the economic constraints facing the public sector at present. In addition, provision of significant custody facilities has proven to be a barrier to successful partnership proposals.

“As a result, and given the Force’s commitment to maintaining community ties, remaining in the current location was deemed the best long term solution, for both the police and public.”

Greenock Police Office was built in 1975 and has a four-storey main block with most of the operational departments and a three storey amenity block with staff areas, training rooms and lockers.

The main block also has 56-cell facility catering for both male and female prisoners, which is considered crucial for the wider force area.

The report continues: “There has been limited investment in the external building fabric in recent years while potential co-location/re-location opportunities have been explored. This along with the age of component parts has resulted in the current problems of water ingress through the roofs and life expired windows causing draughts and poor internal environmental conditions.

“The building is in an optimum location to serve the immediate community and the outlying areas. It is imperative that the police office is suitable for purpose, inclusive and accessible, reflecting the image of a forward thinking 21 century police force.

“By implementing the external improvements at Greenock, the building will have a more efficient working environment within which the staff will be more comfortable, which should reflect positively in terms of staff morale, productivity and general well being.”

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