Northamptonshire Police takes the shackles off new £3.2m training HQ

Northamptonshire's newest police officers have a smart new training base to learn the ropes thanks to the force's £3.2million investment.

The building at Weston Favell was officially opened on Friday and will be a temporary home to more than 200 officers as the force expands over the next 2½ years.

It replaces two small modular buildings in the driveway at Wootton Hall that were earmarked for replacement more than ten years ago.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said: “Northamptonshire Police is growing by almost 200 police officers over the next few years and those new recruits need to be trained to the highest standards.

"The investment in a new training hub was vital to create a professional learning environment that I believe now is one of the best in the region.

“But at its heart, this is not an investment in a building, it is an investment in the future of the Force that will shape the next generation of Northamptonshire Police officers and ensure they have the skills and abilities they need to keep the county safe.”

Mr Mold purchased Giffard House last year and the interior of the building has since undergone a complete refurbishment, transforming it into a modern training facility that will enable the Force to deliver a range of training to new recruits and existing officers and staff alike.

Northamptonshire currently has 1,328 police officers — 160 more than four years ago — and plans to increase that to a record 1,500 by 2023.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley said: “The Force’s recruitment of new police officers is continuing at pace and it is hugely important they not only get the best possible training but also receive that training in a comfortable, professional, fully equipped and fit-for-purpose environment.

“I want Northamptonshire Police to be an employer of choice for anyone wanting to begin or further their career within the police service. The new facility is bright and welcoming and has been designed specifically with the learning and development needs of both new recruits and existing officers and staff in mind.

“Giffard House is an important addition to the Force estate and will ensure we are able to continue to provide effective, professional and quality training in a much-improved and dedicated learning environment for many years to come.”

Solicitor General, Michael Ellis QC, cut the extra-long ribbon with help from Mr Mold and Paul Bullen, Director of Enabling Services.

The first floor of the two-storey building is home to a suite of training rooms – three core and two crime classrooms, two interview rooms, two monitoring rooms, two IT classrooms and office space for the training team.

The large ground floor has provided the ideal space for a dedicated officer safety and fitness training hall, with new changing facilities and a refreshment and welfare area completing the ground floor layout.