DORSET Police say they are unable to give a figure for the expected cost of their new three-storey headquarters building at Winfrith.

But the force does say that work will start this summer and is likely to be completed by the winter of 2023/24.

It has not answered a specific question about any revenue costs of the building, which will come out of a capital budget, although does say that it expects the building to be more cost-effective in the long term.

Said a statement on Tuesday about the cost of the structure: “This is subject to an ongoing process which  is commercially sensitive. Therefore we are not in a position to reveal indicative costs at this stage.”

Dorset Council approved the designs last week despite concerns from Wool parish council that the reflective surfaces of the new building could lead to the deaths of house martins and swifts which migrate to the area each year and could be confused by what they think is open countryside reflected on the building’s walls.

A Dorset Council report, approving the building, said that the architect’s impressions “show the building more reflective than is actually expected. The glazing proposed will be much like the glazing of a standard window and would not be mirrored.”

The new HQ block will replace the ageing A10 building, close to the entrance of the site with a triangular, three storey modern building with central stair wells and a café close to the entrance.

It will only provide a small amount of additional space, compared to the existing complex, but the police say it will be more functional. All other buildings on the site remain as they are for the time being.

Said a Dorset Police statement in response to questions about the cost and other issues: “The new Headquarters building is just one part of the wider Estates Futures Programme, which will secure and future proof the Dorset Police estate for another 30 years, making every penny count and helping to deliver a better service to Dorset communities.

“The programme will deliver a range of benefits to communities. It will ensure that police teams are located in the right places and have access to the necessary equipment and technology to maximise their time out in communities.

“The Force is working with architects, constructors and other specialists to determine the final cost of this build now that planning permission has been granted. The current Headquarters was built in 1958 with a 30-year life expectancy. 60 years on it is costing more and more to maintain and is unsuitable as a work environment.  Despite the initial outlay, these improvements offer greater value for money and will prove far more energy efficient and be far more cost-effective in the long term, partly offsetting the initial investment against reduced running costs.

“Construction will start this Summer, with all works – including demolition of the existing building – expected to be complete by the end of winter 2023/24. Officers and staff will continue to occupy the current building until the new building is ready. This means that Force employees won’t need to be displaced during construction.”

The force says that the new building will be put up off to one side from the block it will replace – allowing staff to continue working from there during construction