The next step of Lincolnshire Police’s contract with G4S depends on the decision of an elected PCC

Lincolnshire Police’s bid to have a new station in the centre of Lincoln – ensuring its current site is sold off to private partner G4S – is on hold until the election of the area’s police and crime commissioner.

The force is proposing to build a new city centre police station in Lincoln to replace its current West Parade site. The security giant would then purchase West Parade for an undisclosed fee from Lincolnshire Police Authority, and be able to sell it on for market value itself.

As part of proposals, an out-of-town custody and response deployment centre would also be built for the force by G4S. Although the exact location has not been decided upon, the force’s current HQ in Nettleham is one option.

But the force has now said the final decision to push forward with the plans will rest with the elected police and crime commissioner following the November elections.

Although this has raised doubts as to whether the proposals will happen at all, the force says the elected PCC would not be able to keep officers and staff at West Parade forever.

DCC Alec Wood said: “The new PCC will have a number of options to consider, including remaining at West Parade in the medium term.
“Any key decisions they (the PCC) do make will be the subject of further consultation with the community.

“Decisions will also have to be taken in the light of affordability given the prospect of further Comprehensive Spending Review cuts.”
The force says the West Parade site, which was built in the 1970s, is falling into disrepair and is not ideal as a deployment base for response vehicles due to accessibility issues.

Spokesman for the Police Authority, Alan Hardwick said: “It is far too big.

“People think it is crammed full of coppers but it isn’t.”

Regarding the out of town deployment base he added: “The idea would be to build custody facilities elsewhere and Nettleham, because the Authority owns the land, was the obvious choice – but it was never the only choice.”

The proposals, which are out to consultation, have caused some opposition from residents’ groups in Nettleham.

But Mr Hardwick insisted their opposition had not changed the Authority’s outlook over the matter.

The force refused to tell PoliceOracle.com how much the West Parade site would potentially be sold to G4S for - should the plan go ahead.
Following a Freedom of Information request from PoliceOracle.com, the force said: “To disclose this particular aspect of the contract (with G4S) is likely to put G4S at a substantial disadvantage if they enter any future tendering processes.”

G4S also refused to comment on the potential use of the land at West Parade, should it acquire it – including the possibility of selling it on for future development.