Public Engagement to Begin for New 'Southern Policing Hub'

Local residents are being invited to view indicative site plans and elevations for a new Southern Policing Hub as Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner prepares to submit an outline planning application by the end of the summer. 

Early in December, it was announced that land, off Mitre Way, Old Sarum, had been secured for the proposed development, clearing the way for public engagement events next month (June) where people can see indicative site arrangements and potential ideas around landscaping and elevation and share to their views.  

The site, around six acres of land, has been purchased conditionally by the PCC, subject to approval of outline planning permission.  

It is earmarked to become a modern base for policing across Salisbury and south Wiltshire, replacing Bourne Hill Police Station, which has been judged no longer fit for purpose.  

Wiltshire’s PCC Philip Wilkinson has a statutory responsibility to ensure Wiltshire Police has the right buildings to do its job properly. This includes providing and maintaining police stations and facilities that support effective policing, protect public safety and meet modern operational and security needs.   

The proposed Southern Policing Hub would provide a new home for neighbourhood and response teams, as well as other operational and support services, helping officers get out into communities more efficiently while giving staff facilities designed for modern policing.  

Indicative idea of how the Hub could look set in the landscape.

Mr Wilkinson said the focus had now shifted firmly to engagement. He said: “Securing the land was an important milestone , but this stage of the project is about listening.  

“We are on track to submit an outline planning application by the end of the summer, and before we do that, it is vital that local people understand what is being proposed and why and have the opportunity to talk to us about it."

He added that discussions had already taken place with parish, city and county councillors, as well as the local MP, to share early thinking and gather feedback.  

“This has been a detailed and considered process over four years, driven by the need to replace facilities that are no longer fit for purpose.   

“Now that the site is secured, our priority is transparency and involvement, giving residents, businesses and local representatives the opportunity to understand the plans as part of the outline planning application process.”  

Mr Wilkinson added: “Engagement, affordability and planning assessment will all go hand‑in‑hand. This approach ensures we are acting in the long‑term public interest and making decisions that stand up over time.”  

“Community engagement is an important part of this process. It allows us to explain how the site would operate, how impacts would be managed, and how this investment supports continued policing presence and visibility in the city and surrounding communities.”  

The project forms part of the Safer South Wiltshire, which began following a comprehensive review of Wiltshire Police’s operational estate commissioned by the PCC in 2021.   

That review, revisited by Chief Constable Catherine Roper in 2023, concluded that the existing policing base at Bourne Hill was no longer fit for purpose and could not be adapted to meet modern policing requirements.   

More than a dozen alternative sites were assessed before Old Sarum was identified as the most suitable option.  

The Old Sarum land is already allocated for employment use in the Wiltshire Local Plan and was chosen for its size, transport links , and ability to accommodate future policing needs if required.  

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said modern buildings were essential to keeping policing effective.  

“Well‑designed and well‑located police bases help our teams work smarter, respond more quickly and maintain a visible presence in communities,” she said.  

“Just as importantly, engagement at this stage allows us to explain how the site would operate and how potential impacts would be managed.”   

There are currently no plans for a custody suite, though the land provides flexibility should policing requirements change in the future.  

Public engagement events will take place in June, close to the Mitre Way site, where residents will be able to view illustrative ideas about the site, ask questions and provide feedback ahead of the outline planning submission.   

Salisbury Football Club, Raymond McEnhill Stadium: 

• Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10 am - 1 pm 

• Wednesday 24 June 2026, 5 pm - 8 pm 

• Saturday 27 June 2026, 10 am - 2 pm  

You can also find all details which will be available at the event here on the OPCC website: Southern Policing Hub.