Since the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the construction of Reigate Police Station last year, the Eastern HQ has been temporarily based at Wray Park in Reigate. The Force has been looking various location options for a permanent base for the Divisional Headquarters, considering how each one would ensure we can deliver the best possible service to you, our communities, both now and in the future.
We have put forward a recommendation to retain part of a site on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead that Surrey Police purchased in 2018, which was initially due to be developed for the Force’s Headquarters. This will provide the opportunity to build a bespoke, permanent, Divisional Headquarters that will be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and ensure our officers and staff have the facilities they need to investigate crime and keep our communities safe. We have looked at sites, at all times considering how each one would ensure we can deliver the best possible service to our communities, both now and in the future.
On Thursday, 28 November, the Force held a public consultation event at the Police Federation Headquarters in Leatherhead.
The event provided local residents with the opportunity to view the plans, meet members of the project team, and ask questions. The below information and images were shared at the event. The public consultation period has now closed.
The images are available to view as a downloadable PDF. The images can also be viewed here.
Mount Browne has been the headquarters of Surrey Police for over 70 years, and we are proud to be part of the community here in Guildford.
We know that parts of our estate are ageing; are not best designed to meet the needs of policing our communities in the 21st Century; and could be far more sustainable and efficient, both financially and environmentally. And we've been on a journey with Surrey residents as to how we serve you best in the years ahead.
The Force previously purchased land in Leatherhead, in 2018, to develop a new, purpose-built headquarters from the ground up. However, following a review of the programme in November 2021, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Surrey Police Chief Officer team took the decision to retain Mount Browne, and redevelop the existing site.
Since that decision, work has been taking place in the background as we reimagine the site, to ensure that Mount Browne and our wider estate is fit for the future over the long-term.
On 6 November, Guildford Borough Council’s Planning Committee voted to grant planning permission subject to legal agreement as part of the redevelopment of Mount Browne.
One of the applications was for a new access road onto the site, which will reduce traffic for our neighbouring residential areas. The second application relates to the redevelopment plans for the site, which will see the Force refurbish and rebuild areas of Surrey Police’s headquarters that are no longer sustainable or fit for purpose.
There are now additional legal stages to go through before we take steps towards redeveloping Mount Browne. Further updates will be provided in the coming months.
Development timeline for Mount Browne
- Summer 2023
- Local community consultation
- Consolidate feedback
- Consider any design amendments
- Spring 2024
- Formal planning submission
- Autumn 2024
- Planning determination
Should planning be approved
- Late 2024
- Appoint contractors & commence construction Phase 1
- Target 2028/9
- Construction completes
Contact us
If you would like any more information, please email [email protected] and the team will be happy to help.