DESIGNS UNVEILED FOR NEW $17 MILLION BELCONNEN POLICE STATION

Minister for Police and Emergency Services,Simon Corbell,today unveiled the preliminary design plans for the new Belconnen Police Station.

"The unveiling of these plans represents the first key milestone for thedelivery of a new Belconnen Police Station project," Mr Corbell said.

"The new state-of-the-art facility will provide a ‘police precinct' on Canberra's north-side which will enhance interaction between the community and police whilst addressing the critical operational needs of ACT Policing.

"In the 2007/08 budget, the Government committed $17.652 million over the next four years to design and construct a new Belconnen Police Station.

"The new Belconnen Police Station will be located adjacent to the current ACT Policing headquarters, the Winchester Police Centre, on Benjamin Way.

"The co-location will provide the opportunity for the new station and the headquarters to share a number of services and amenities.

"The new 2500m2 facility is designed to replace the existing 35 year old station in the Belconnen Town Centre and is part of the government's commitment to increase policing capabilities within the Territory.

"More than 100 police and staff will be based in the new station, which will also feature facilities such as a public access foyer and counter; holding cells and incident rooms; welfare counselling and victims of crime room; muster room; breath analysis area; and secure and visitor car parks.

"The new station design aims to achieve a high green star ratingwith a number of initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, use of low volatile organic compound materials and a non conventional air conditioning system that will use less energy and provide for a healthier work environment."