Southampton Central police station upgrade could see officers temporarily move to Lyndhurst

POLICE officers could be relocated to Lyndhurst while the main Southampton Central station undergoes an upgrade next year.

Hampshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones said the 11-year-old building will undergo "much-needed" upgrades for up to 12 months.

As part of the works to the nine-floor facility, its 36-cell custody block will close for four months and "other custody solutions" are being explored.

Mrs Jones said: "My team are currently doing due diligence across the police estate, including Lyndhurst and Winchester, to plan for the work and the relocation of custody services, officers and staff it requires.

"Maintaining operational capacity will remain a priority. The public front office will be relocated and will remain in the centre of Southampton and be easily accessible to the public.

"Neighbourhood police teams will not be affected and will continue to work out of bases in the civic centre and Redbridge joint police/fire station.

"Response and patrol teams are already based at different locations, such as Portswood and Bitterne, and have been for some time."

Mrs Jones said her ongoing estate review had identified the need for the improvements.

"I have made this decision early to enable the force to plan and ensure the policing response continues without disruption to the public," she added.

Assistant Chief Constable Lucy Hutson said: "The commissioner has made a bold decision, and one that the force supports.

"Making the required upgrades to this building in one go makes sense, causing the littlest possible disruption to the day-to-day work of our officers and staff.

"We are confident that the impact on operational policing in and around Southampton will be kept to a minimum as we have plenty of time to get the planning right."