Force Set To Move Into New Base Next Year

A real estate expert at Irwin Mitchell has helped South Yorkshire Police secure the purchase of its new headquarters by advising on the deal.

Martyn Holland, a consultant in the firm’s Sheffield office, was involved in the transaction, which means the police force will move its current operations and nearly 300 members of staff from three separate buildings to the city’s Carbrook House at the start of 2012.

The £5 million purchase and refurbishment of the site, a former Abbey National Call Centre, has been predominantly funded by the sale of out-of-date properties.

South Yorkshire Police is planning to use its existing Snig Hill site as a district headquarters for Sheffield.

Knight Frank and Lambert Smith Hampton were also involved in the deal, with the former also advising South Yorkshire Police and the latter acting for the vendor.

Commenting on the deal, Martyn Holland of Irwin Mitchell said: “The deal is hugely significant because it is the culmination of a programme which has lasted several years in modernising the South Yorkshire police premises throughout the city moving from old and inflexible buildings into modern ones suited to a 21st century police force.

“The deal shows South Yorkshire Police Authority’s commitment to the city not only in their significant office take-up but also by using local advisors.”

Charles Perryman, chair of South Yorkshire Police Authority, added: “This development is the culmination of several years’ hard work in finding a suitable headquarters for the Force.
 
“We have also been able to secure an excellent price for the building and it will help the police reduce overall running costs, ensuring a more efficient service is provided to the public.”