By Saul Cooke-Black

A NEW multi-million pound investigative police hub will be opened in Quedgeley on Monday, July 13 by the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Roger Head.

Prism House, a three storey property formerly occupied by photographic film firm Kodak, was bought by the Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl for £1.7 million last February and converted at a further cost of around £1.8 million.

Mr Surl said: "We have been able to buy and convert a fine building to a much higher specification than previously drawn-up and for less money.

"Bringing our investigative teams onto the Waterwells Estate makes operational sense.

"Doing it for less than previously forecast means a big saving to the taxpayer as well.

"It’s a practical solution which in a period of austerity provides good value for money."

The project is two to three years ahead of schedule and has cost around £2.1 million pounds less than originally estimated.

Safeguarding and improving police buildings is part of the Commissioner’s aim of providing a secure, long-term future for the Constabulary.

A new custody block, Compass House, was opened in January to replace ageing cells in Gloucester and Cheltenham – also at a much lower cost than previously budgeted.

Work is continuing to secure other properties and sites around the county, particularly in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Forest of Dean and further announcements are expected in the near future.