CONSTRUCTION is set to begin on a new multi-million-pound civic centre in Tidworth, replacing the outdated community hub in the town.

On Tuesday, August 30, work will start on the new £7million Tidworth Civic Centre and Community Policing Team (CPT) hub.

The build is expected to take more than year, and once complete it will be open for groups, charities, or individuals, as well as local and regional businesses, to use.

Mayor of Tidworth, Cllr Mark Connolly said: “The years of planning are finally over, and the civic centre is now becoming a reality. This facility will enable many local groups and residents to use what will be a fantastic facility for the town."

The civic centre will have a main hall, a large function room, meeting rooms, a café and the town council office.

The scheme is a partnership between Tidworth Town Council and Wiltshire Police.

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Cllr Connolly added: “Having the Amesbury and Tidworth CPT based in the facility is also very good news for the town. During the process we have cemented excellent relations with both Wiltshire Police and the Policing Crime Commissioner’s office.”

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “I’m glad that the lease has been signed and relieved to see that work is beginning on the station as this project is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan.

“The new facility will provide a fully formed community policing team for East Wiltshire and highlights the real benefits partnership working.

“The joint funding model with Tidworth Town Council represents value for money for taxpayers in Wiltshire and the position of the new station will allow us to work more closely with the military.

“The new station will not only create a better service for people living in Tidworth, Ludgershall and other local villages but it also provides a better working environment for our officers.

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"It will offer the police what they need to deliver in partnership with the council for the local community.

“I look forward to its completion next year and I’ll be keeping a keen eye on its development."

Assistant Chief Constable David Minty echoed the PCC’s thoughts: “The new facility in Tidworth means our teams in East Wiltshire can operate more effectively and be more accessible to the public, which is vital for us in terms of gathering important intelligence.

“This is only the beginning of the work but I’m excited about the benefits this new station will offer.”

The scheme has been funded through a £4million loan received by the Public Works Loans Board, along with funding reserves. Wiltshire Police has provided £2million for the policing hub.

It is hoped that the facility will be opened in October 2023.