Greater Manchester Police Force HQ
Manchester, UK
Services
People
project overview
Community investment as a catalyst for future regeneration
The headquarters for the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) brings a strong, iconic civic identity, forming a vital component in the future growth of one of Manchester’s largest regeneration developments.
Occupying one of the the two gateway sites on Central Park, the building reinforces the quality of ongoing development and has been a catalyst for further investment in the area. The new headquarters promotes new ways of working and enables the GMP to have the flexibility to respond to the ever-changing needs of the community they serve.
![AHR-Civic-GMPoliceHQ-Architecture-Interior5-Manchester](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_926.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015642&s=695d3f04606ac7359912bf9eab0d883a 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_926.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015642&s=ff0c1317cd3686fb9f2c733bb0f3f11b 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_926.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015642&s=8f17ed022b4c2a596ca59a8f1cd32b7c 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_926.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015642&s=81714b91cec4fab5447e6b84b286c9bc 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_926.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015642&s=94fadcc1e6e59a406ca872e11e26f884 1920w)
Project aims
Better working environment to deliver the best service for the community
Following a review and rationalisation of the GMP’s estate, the requirement for a new headquarters was identified.
It was to be a long-term replacement for the existing headquarters at Chester House in Trafford and would bring together a number of departments previously located within leased premises.
The GMP’s main aim was to create an iconic facility that not only provided the authority with civic presence, but also met an aspiration to be seen as a modern, outward looking, forward thinking organisation. An organisation that provided the best working environment for its team and in turn would provide the best level of service to the public.
The BREEAM Excellent, Grade A office space also had to satisfy the detailed requirements of the Home Office. Ensuring a secure stand-off around the building through the careful integration of the landscape.
It was also important to maintain the quality of the public realm throughout the business park creating a civic setting, that made the building feel welcoming and approachable.
Design concept
Encouraging new collaborative ways of working
Design and innovation
Atrium space as a focal point to promote communication and interaction
The layout responds directly to restrictions of inter departmental access, developed as a fractured donut arrangement which embraces a spacious central atrium, promoting communication and interaction. Glass fronted breakout pods are suspended from the fully glazed atrium roof, providing quiet space away from the main working environments for informal meetings or individual downtime. Generous walkway balconies provide opportunities for impromptu meetings or moments to pause to experience the space.
The base of the central atrium is lively, with a dining area and transition space for those filtering through from the staff and main entrances. Activity in the central space is encouraged by fronting the four passenger lifts onto the atrium, creating a visual connection through to the main entrance atrium. Integrated seating and tree planters with mature evergreen trees give the space a softer focal point and a unique place to wait.
The new building is allowing us to change the way we work. The open plan layout will encourage us to work together better as teams and give greater visibility to team leaders. The flexibility of the space means that staff can choose the most appropriate place for them to work depending on what they need at the time.”
Employee
Greater Manchester PoliceSOCIAL VALUE
For the community
The new headquarters has had tangible benefits for the local community creating direct job opportunities and being a major contributor to the regeneration of the area. Throughout construction, the project team was actively involved in a number of local social initiatives from collaborating in local newsletters and providing talks to local colleges, to assisting a local primary school with essential improvement works to pathways. Apprenticeships and Prince’s Trust opportunities were also offered to members of the local community with notable success.
![AHR-Civic-GMPoliceHQ-Architecture-Exterior4-Manchester](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_1022.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015638&s=23118dfcd2fcc2ede714cf1f11915e10 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_1022.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015638&s=525d2a4fd4422429430fdb278a9ea841 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_1022.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015638&s=27f23540d288b070addd3ea7418c5046 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_1022.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015638&s=42f716cbe3a721587b8691b2fbda6ea5 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Greater-Manchester-Police-Force-HQ/2007_00349_001_1022.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015638&s=8d7ceab80680e75b0116055ca25f5e0a 1920w)
Key information
Project summary
Location
Manchester
Client
Greater Manchester Police
Completion
2011
Value
£42m
Environmental
BREEAM Excellent
EPC B Rating
Size
22,300 m2
Includes
Six-storey building for over 2,000 people
Awards
BCO National Awards 2012
Winner - Corporate Workplace
RICS Awards 2012
Shortlisted
WAN Interior Design Awards 2011
Shortlisted - Commercial Sector
Team
Meet the team behind the project
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