Police complex for Docklands

There will be more police in Docklands than ever from 2015 following the announcement on July 3 of a $230 million police complex to be built on the corner of Spencer and LaTrobe streets.

Docklanders won’t notice much difference in a police presence as the operation police station which serves our area is merely moving from Flinders St to the new location in a different area of Docklands.

But there will be an extra 1600 police officers and staff moving into the area, primarily from the decommissioning of the police complex in St Kilda Rd.

The 27,000 sqm, 12-storey complex will become home to, amongst other police units, the city’s crime department, intelligence and covert support departments as well as the City West Police Station.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Acting Chief Commissioner Tim Cartwright said the move was logical because the city was growing towards Docklands.

He said the former Australia Post Mail Centre site was ideally situated to freeway access, public transport, the legal precinct and to the King St trouble spot in the CBD.

The design scheme allows for two distinct buildings connected by a shared floor, separating the operational tower from a clearly identifiable police station, which will be the largest and most prominent in Melbourne.

Police Minister Peter Ryan said the State Government was contributing $68 million towards fitting out the building which police would lease from a consortium led by Cbus Property until at least 2035.

He said he expected the Docklands community to be safer when the complex becomes operational

“The City West Police Complex will be highly visible for those travelling to prominent congregation points in and around Spencer St,” he said.

Mr Ryan said a well-lit public entry and forecourt would provide pedestrians heading from Etihad Stadium and Docklands precinct through to Southern Cross Station or King Street with improved security, particularly at night.
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The consolidation and relocation of police services to an inner city location will resolve critical issues of overcrowding and security and ensure appropriate facilities are made available to enable Victoria Police to better serve the community,” Mr Ryan said.

He said: “A professional police force needs the infrastructure in place to help it do its job. I am absolutely delighted with the proposal put forward by Cbus Property which will deliver Victoria Police a purpose built, contemporary police complex.”

“It really will be a jewel in the crown for Victoria Police and our mission to provide the best possible policing services to the community.”