New Holbeck Police HQ plans discussed

Holbeck Police HQ site
The proposed site of the new Holbeck Police HQ

Proposals for a new headquarters for Holbeck Police off Elland Road were discussed at a public meeting last night.

Police chiefs told the 20 or so residents present that they hoped the Treasury in London would give approval for the preferred contractor to build the scheme next week.

They apologised that there had been a slight delay with the PFI scheme going through the system in London and that they couldn’t show any artists’ impressions but promised to hold a public meeting with residents in late January or early February next year to discuss their plans.

Should the preferred bidder gain Treasury approval as expected, a detailed planning application will be submitted in January for Leeds council to consider.

In truth, the meeting was a rather quiet affair. Some residents expressed frustration about not being able to see the proposals last night – “It’s all talk” said one.

Another expressed concerns about possible increases in traffic along an already busy Elland Road and surrounding streets at peak times, during construction and on Leeds United matchdays.

Police representatives said that new arrangements for away fans meant fewer traffic issues on matchdays, there would be junction improvements and that the 600-strong workforce worked on shift patterns that started and finished outside peak times. He said that there would be a limited number of vehicles coming out of the new HQ with sirens blaring as most cars would be already out on patrol across the division when called upon.

The new HQ would replace outdated facilities at Millgarth, the Bridewell and on Burton Road.