Willmott Dixon Delivers UK’s First WELL Platinum Police Headquarters for Hertfordshire Constabulary
Herts Police HQ
Willmott Dixon has completed the £56 million headquarters for Hertfordshire Constabulary in Welwyn Garden City, marking the first police facility in the UK to be designed to achieve WELL Platinum certification, the highest accolade under the WELL Building Standard.
The new four-storey, 9,000 square metre building replaces outdated 1960s accommodation at the Constabulary’s Stanborough site, consolidating operations for over 500 officers and staff into a secure, single location. Constructed through the SCAPE Construction framework, the headquarters is set to attain both WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent ratings.
The WELL Building Standard assesses how a building supports occupant health and wellbeing, focusing on factors such as air quality, water, lighting, movement, thermal comfort, sound, nutrition, and mental health. Achieving the highest level in a policing environment—where security, resilience, and continuous operational demands are paramount—is unprecedented in the UK.
Simon Ramage, managing director for Willmott Dixon in North London and Northern Home Counties, commented: “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.”
The facility brings together previously dispersed functions including the Major Crime Unit, victim services, the dog unit, senior leadership, and operational support, while also reducing long-term running costs. It features integrated custody and operational suites designed to national policing standards, secure vehicular access with holding bays, flexible open-plan office spaces to support agile working and future reconfiguration, as well as conference and training facilities.
Welfare amenities include quiet rooms, a restaurant, gym, showers, and cycle storage. 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. It is a 21st-century workplace for a modern, ambitious police force, and I am excited about the opportunities it will create for our officers, staff and volunteers in the years ahead.”
Environmental sustainability was integrated from the outset rather than added later. The building utilises air-source heat pumps and high-efficiency HVAC systems to significantly reduce operational emissions. Its reinforced concrete primary frame provides thermal mass and resilience, while future-proofed photovoltaic infrastructure enables on-site renewable energy generation. Additionally, a sustainable urban drainage system manages water across the site.
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire, officially opened the facility, stating: “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.”
As a Hertfordshire-based company, Willmott Dixon generated social and economic value exceeding £28 million through the project, doubling the original target and setting a new benchmark for public sector developments in the region. Over £264,000 was invested in social enterprises, creating local jobs, providing mentoring, and supporting sustainable employment pathways. The project also achieved the maximum Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 45 out of 45, highlighting excellence in community engagement, environmental responsibility, and site safety.
Hertfordshire Constabulary joins a growing list of UK police forces benefiting from Willmott Dixon’s expertise. Recent projects include the new Kirklees Police Headquarters in Dewsbury for West Yorkshire Police, a six-storey, 10,464 square metre district headquarters featuring a Category A, 30-cell custody suite, also delivered through SCAPE. The company has also completed the £25.6 million Pendle Police Station in Nelson for Lancashire Constabulary, as well as headquarters buildings for Dorset, Humberside, and Merseyside Police. Additional works include a police station for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, a custody suite for Bedfordshire Police, a forensics centre for Thames Valley Police, a training facility for South Wales Police, and fire stations and training centres for West Sussex and Avon Fire & Rescue Services.
