Victoria is set to get a policing hub like New York’s 1 Police Plaza thanks to a new modern headquarters to be built in the centre of Melbourne.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville today announced the new Victoria Police Centre at 311 Spencer Street – next door to the City West Police Complex that opened in 2015 and near the Melbourne Assessment Prison and courts.
The new secure 39-storey complex will house about 2500 police personnel and be Victoria’s first purpose-built headquarters since the 1940s. It will provide unprecedented safety and security for frontline police and staff.
It will be close to Southern Cross Station and has good access to Melbourne’s freeway and arterial roads so specialist police can respond to incidents more quickly.
When finished, 311 Spencer St will join City West to form a custom-built crime-fighting nerve centre of about 4000 officers. The centre will create jobs for Victorians during construction and once complete. Construction will use a minimum of 82 per cent local content.
The centre will include frontline police and investigators in transit and public safety, road policing, family violence, state emergencies and security, crime, counter terrorism and intelligence and covert support command. Neighbourhood Watch will be offered space at the centre.
Australia Post and CBUS Property are developing the vacant site for lease as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s market-led proposals process, which encourages the private sector to pitch projects that are genuinely unique and of value to Victorians.
The proposal has been rigorously assessed and determined as great value to the Victorian economy. Construction is due to start in 2017 and finish in 2020. Police will move into the new building in 2020 when the current lease at the World Trade Centre expires.
The new hub will support the Labor Government’s record $2 billion boost to police resourcing, which includes 3135 additional sworn police on top of attrition over five years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a landmark precinct that will give police the best facilities to support safer communities across Victoria for decades to come.”
“This hub will become the nerve centre for policing in Victoria by bringing together some of our best investigators to solve some of our most complex crimes and support our frontline police.’’
Reviewed 19 August 2020