Police bosses believe that creating a new station in a north-east town will lead to a reduction in crime.
Proposals to build a two storey extension at Buchan House, the council’s base in Peterhead, were first mooted in 2016 and a planning application has now been lodged with the authority.
It is intended to replace the Merchant Street facility used by the force, which is a third empty and has been deemed “no longer fit for purpose” by local inspector George Cordiner.
According to documents for the new purpose-built replacement, it will give officers a “more effective working environment” and a “strong presence” in the town.
Drawings show the proposed layout for the new station with offices, locker rooms, toilets and a conference room.
Aberdeen-based Robertson Construction Eastern have applied for planning permission.
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A design statement put together by architecture firm Halliday Fraser Munro said the new building would “enhance” officers’ ability to police the north-east’s biggest town.
It also said the project would lead to “economic, social and physical benefits”.
The document said: “This project will enhance the ability of the police to deliver effective policing in the Peterhead area, whilst bringing an opportunity to increase collaboration with other public sectors at every level.
“Furthermore, the opportunity to benefit from new facilities and infrastructure, at a strategic location, will create significant operational benefits.
“The project also presents a chance to regenerate an area of the site which has remained undeveloped, providing a high quality extension to a key building within the Peterhead town centre.
“Ultimately, the proposal shall bring with it a number of economic, social and physical benefits to the area.”
Senior police officials gave their backing to the new extension in May when the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) announced an agreement had been reached with the local authority for officers to move into purpose-built station.
Speaking at the time, Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins, who leads local policing in the north of Scotland, said he was “delighted” by the SPA’s decision.
He said: “We acknowledge that Scotland is changing and in order to remain relevant, legitimate and effective, Police Scotland also has to change. This move is a sign the service is responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.”
