CUMBRIA's Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes has announced a new multi-million pound police station will open in Barrow by 2015.

Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd, a Cumbrian firm, won the tender for the project.

Some police officers in Ulverston will transfer to the new building.

“The overall cost of the new police station will be £8.5 million and our intention is for the police station to be operational in April 2015,” said Mr Rhodes.

“Work is currently underway to conclude the contract formalities. Subject to final detailed planning permission, construction is expected to start on land owned by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria at Andrews Way, Barrow-in-Furness in early autumn.

“The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has purchased land at Andrews Way from Cumbria County Council. Outline planning permission has been granted from Barrow Borough Council.

“The current police station is not fit for purpose and on completion of the new building it will be offered to the market for sale.”

This project forms part of the joint Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s and Cumbria Police's estate strategy to improve its estate and accommodation for its officers and staff.

Assistant Chief Constable of Cumbria Police, Jerry Graham, said: “The new facilities at Andrews Way will maintain our presence in Barrow.

“It is exciting to see details of our new area headquarters taking shape, which will provide fit-for-purpose custody facilities and officers and staff working in South Cumbria with the accommodation and facilities they deserve.

“The new facilities are on track to become operational in April 2015 and have been designed to fit the unique requirements of the South Territorial Policing Area and will ensure that we continue to provide a modern policing service now and in the future.”

“The new police station provides our local communities with a very visible presence and enables us to look to the future as to how we can best serve our communities.”