Belvedere Police Station

The Policing & Public Access in London published in March 2013 states there are 15 police stations that are not suitable in the long-term as they do not meet operational needs. Belvedere Police Station (PS) in the London Borough of Bexley is one of the 15 identified.
This paper sets out the proposed relocation of the functions at Belvedere PS and the relocation of the Contact Point.

The DMPC is asked to
1. Support the operational decision to relocate operational teams based at Belvedere Police Station to a combination of Pier Road and Bexleyheath Police Station, both within the LB Bexley;
2. Approve in principle the relocation of the Contact Point to ASDA in Lower Belvedere, subject to suitable consultation with the local community in Belvedere, and
3. Subject to the relocation of the operational teams and contact point, approve the subsequent disposal of Belvedere Police Station in accordance with the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation and Consent.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. In 2013 MOPAC carried out extensive consultation on both the draft Police and Crime Plan 2013-16 and the proposed local police estate and public access. In respect of Bexley this highlighted that Belvedere Police Station was not suitable to be retained in the longer term as it did not meet operational requirements. The site was to be retained until alternative accommodation for both the operational teams and the contact point could be provided.

1.2. This paper recommends the re-location of operational teams and the Contact Point.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. Operational teams currently in Belvedere Police Station will be re-located between Pier Road in Erith and Bexleyheath Police Station. More agile working practices and an element of investment is necessary to achieve this arrangement.

2.2. The Contact Point is proposed to be re-located to Asda in lower Belvedere.

2.3. Upon the above re-locations the Belvedere Police Station will be disposed of.

3. Financial Comments

3.1. The sale of Belvedere Police Station will generate a capital receipt which will be used to support the MOPAC/MPS Capital Programme. The disposal will also generate annual revenue savings of £83,000.

3.2. The investment to achieve the change is estimated at £8,000, and will be met from within existing MPS budgets.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. This report seeks the approval to relocate teams, to dispose of Belvedere Police Station and locate a contact point in an accessible location within the community.

4.2. MOPAC may do anything which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the exercise of the functions of the Office. This includes entering into contracts, and acquiring and disposing of property (including land), and paragraph 7 (1) and (2) (a) and (b) of Schedule 3 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (“the Act”) refers. Similarly, the Commissioner has wide ranging powers and may relocate staff and officers under his direction and control.

4.3. The report confirms the recommended option represents the best option that will support the delivery of a leaner estate which is lower in cost to run and is fit for purpose complying with modern standards, and will therefore assist MOPAC securing the maintenance of the Metropolitan Police Force, and ensure that it is efficient and effective, as required under Section 3(6) of the Act.

4.4. The report confirms that a replacement contact point will be provided in the community within ASDA. It is advised a detailed assessment is undertaken in relation to this proposal to ensure the location is fit for purpose and suitable for both officers and members of the public. Engagement with members of the public in relation to the delivery of policing within the area is recommended and is in-keeping with the duties under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

4.5. On the basis of the information contained within this report and discussions with Property Services, DLS are supportive for the recommendation to proceed.

5. Equality Comments

5.1. There are no direct equality or diversity implications arising from this report.