Hertfordshire Constabulary has completed a £55m headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, delivered on time and on budget, replacing five outdated buildings with a single four-storey, 9,750 sqm facility for around 900 officers and staff. The scheme, marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was designed around advanced security, officer wellbeing and sustainable, tech-enabled facilities. Pick Everard worked alongside AECOM and Willmott Dixon to deliver the project, appointed via Perfect Circle under the SCAPE Consultancy framework as technical advisor. The building is targeting WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent certifications, and brings together the major crime unit, victim services, the dog unit, senior leadership and operational support staff under one roof.

A Purpose Built Replacement

Constructed on the site of the former headquarters, the new development consolidates functions previously spread across five ageing buildings. Bringing departments including the major crime unit, victim services and dog unit into a single site is intended to improve day-to-day coordination for the force as well as create a more efficient estate to manage.

The timing of the completion coincides with government work on implementation strategies for the police reform white paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing”, published in January 2026, which supports estate modernisation and prioritises digital infrastructure, officer mental health and wellbeing, and sustainability against new national performance standards.

Sustainability And Wellbeing Built In

Eco-conscious features run through the design, including heat recovery units, solar panels and sustainable drainage systems. Targeting WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent certifications signals an intent to treat the workplace itself, not just the building envelope, as part of the sustainability case, with a focus on creating a welcoming, efficient and healthy environment for staff.

Andy Robinson, architecture director at Pick Everard, said:

“Delivering a live operational police headquarters is a complex undertaking, requiring careful coordination and collaboration at every stage.”

“Hertfordshire’s HQ demonstrates the importance of designing public sector environments around the people who use them every day, creating spaces that enable collaboration, enhance wellbeing and adapt to the evolving needs of the services they support. We’re proud to have worked alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary, Willmott Dixon and the wider project team to deliver a future-ready headquarters that will support the force and the communities it serves long into the future.”

Delivery Partners Reflect On The Build

Main contractor Willmott Dixon and framework provider SCAPE both pointed to the project as a model for how public sector developments can be delivered efficiently while still meeting wider value and legacy objectives.

Simon Ramage, managing director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“The headquarters stand as a powerful example of how major public sector developments can deliver incredible value. The project has created a legacy that extends well beyond the building itself and sets a standard for future developments across the country.”

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said:

“This was a landmark project that required careful planning, and proactive management throughout. Through the SCAPE Consultancy Framework, we provided strategic guidance and active management, helping to accelerate delivery while maximising value for the client. We are proud to see the successful completion of the headquarters that will serve and support the local community for many years to come.”

Backed By Local Leadership

The headquarters was officially opened by Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, who highlighted the significance of delivering a major public building on schedule and within budget.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said:

“Major public building projects do not always have a reputation for being delivered on time and on budget, which makes this achievement all the more significant.”

“This new headquarters is the result of strong leadership, clear governance and careful management throughout every stage of the project. By maintaining a relentless focus on value for money and effective oversight, we have delivered a modern policing facility that meets the needs of Hertfordshire both now and in the future.”

“It demonstrates what can be achieved when there is a clear vision, strong accountability and a commitment to delivering for the public.”

Andy Prophet, Chief Constable for Hertfordshire Constabulary, said:

“This is more than just a state-of-the-art headquarters; it is a space that will enable us to provide an outstanding service to the communities we serve. It has been designed to bring people together, helping us to collaborate more effectively, learn from one another and drive innovation.”

A Blueprint For Blue Light Estates

The Hertfordshire scheme adds to Pick Everard’s track record delivering blue light estates across the UK, working with police forces and emergency service organisations on secure, resilient facilities designed to serve their communities for decades. With WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent both in view, the headquarters offers a reference point for how policing infrastructure can combine security, wellbeing and environmental performance without compromising on delivery timescales or budget.