Ambitious plans to build a modern police station in Huddersfield have reached a key milestone after Kirklees Council’s Planning Committee granted approval for the development. The project, led by West Yorkshire Police and supported by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, is part of a broader effort to modernise policing infrastructure across the Kirklees district.
 
Approval and Construction Timeline
The decision paves the way for demolition of the existing structure on the Broadway site, scheduled to begin in spring 2025. Construction of the new two-story facility is expected to follow shortly after, with groundwork set to commence in early summer 2025. West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the new Huddersfield station is on track to open in late 2026, aligning with the completion of a parallel project in Dewsbury.
 
A Modern Facility for Huddersfield
The new L-shaped building will replace the aging Castlegate station, centralising all Huddersfield policing teams under one roof. Designed with community needs in mind, it will feature a public enquiry counter to maintain accessible services for residents. The facility will also include dedicated on-site parking for police vehicles, addressing long-standing concerns about operational vehicles impacting local traffic and parking availability near the current station. Additional amenities, such as modern office spaces and staff welfare areas, are expected to enhance working conditions for officers.
 
The Broadway location was chosen for its strategic position, ensuring that policing teams remain embedded within the communities they serve. Local stakeholders have praised the decision to keep a strong police presence in Huddersfield town center, rather than consolidating all operations at the forthcoming Dewsbury headquarters.
 
Wider Policing Strategy in Kirklees
The Huddersfield project is one half of a dual initiative to overhaul policing facilities in Kirklees. Alongside it, the new Kirklees District Police Headquarters in Dewsbury is under construction and slated for completion in early 2026. The Dewsbury site will serve as the primary hub, boasting a larger footprint with a public enquiry counter, a state-of-the-art custody suite offering increased cell capacity, and advanced operational facilities. This will replace the outdated Aldams Road station, which, like Castlegate, has been deemed unfit for modern policing demands.
 
Until both new stations are fully operational, existing facilities at Castlegate and Aldams Road will continue to function. Once staff, equipment, and services are transferred to the new buildings, the old sites are earmarked for sale, with proceeds expected to be reinvested into regional policing initiatives. Early estimates suggest the sales could generate significant funds, given the central locations of both properties.
 
Sustainability and Design Features
While specific design details remain under wraps, West Yorkshire Police have hinted that both the Huddersfield and Dewsbury stations will incorporate energy-efficient technologies and sustainable building practices. This aligns with broader regional commitments to reduce carbon footprints, as championed by Mayor Tracy Brabin’s administration. Community feedback during the planning phase also emphasized the need for facilities that blend with local aesthetics while prioritizing functionality.
 
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Local business owners near the Broadway site have expressed cautious optimism about the project, citing potential boosts to foot traffic and security, though some have raised concerns about construction-related disruptions. West Yorkshire Police have pledged to minimise impacts through phased work schedules and regular community updates.
 
The Huddersfield station, combined with the Dewsbury headquarters, is poised to enhance policing capacity across Kirklees at a time when demand for services continues to grow. With completion dates set for 2026, residents can look forward to a revitalized police presence tailored to 21st-century challenges.
Chief Superintendent Jim Griffiths, Kirklees District Commander, hailed the planning approval as a turning point. “This is clearly very positive news for Huddersfield,” he said. “A lot of work has been ongoing behind the scenes—consultations, site assessments, and design refinements—and now that permission is secured, we can push ahead with demolition and construction.” Griffiths underscored the urgency of replacing the current stations, noting, “It’s no secret that Castlegate and Aldams Road were nearing the end of their operational lives. These new facilities represent a major leap forward for policing in Kirklees.”
 
Mayor Tracy Brabin echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “The green light for Huddersfield’s new police station is a milestone investment in our region’s safety. This modern, efficient facility will serve the town’s residents for decades to come, while supporting our broader vision for a safer, fairer West Yorkshire.” Brabin also highlighted the economic benefits, with the construction phase expected to create jobs and stimulate local supply chains.”

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Page last updated: Thursday 27th February, 2025 at 23h05

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