Police leaders and developers gathered at the business park in Newton Heath, to officially start the building works programme which will see the creation of a multi-million pound HQ building for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the largest force in the country outside London.
Greater Manchester Police Authority formally signed a £63m deal to relocate the force HQ to Central Park, in early June, which will share the 1.4m sq ft business park with MANCAT and Manchester Science Park at One Central Park, Fujitsu Services and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at Madison Place.
Developers Ask:Goodman are now working closely with contractors Carillion to build the new 235,000 sq ft, six-storey building, which is expected to be open in early 2011 and has been designed by architects Aedas.
James Raven, from Ask:Goodman said: "Today is a significant event for the development, with the commencement of construction work on site.
“We enjoy an excellent relationship with GMP and we look forward to working closely alongside them and the wider team throughout each phase in developing this bespoke turnkey building."
Eddie Smith, chief executive of urban regeneration company New East Manchester, added: “To have work start on site for this important scheme is very exciting and marks another milestone in the development and regeneration of the area.
“This iconic building will not only be visually stunning but will attract further significant investment and jobs to the area. Central Park is a great location and GMP have recognised its merits and helped put it on the map."
“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."
Phil Wakefield, managing director Carillion Building North said: “We are delighted to be working on this prestigious project which will ensure the Greater Manchester Police Force has a state-of the-art, modern facility fit for the 21st Century.”
Central Park is located in Newton Heath just 1.5 miles from the city centre. The new HQ building will support modern day policing requirements ensuring a smarter, more effective work force and an improved police service.
The agents acting for Ask:Goodman were Chushman & Wakefield and Lambert Smith Hampton. DTZ Manchester acted for GMP.