Headquarters




The new Headquarters for the Police Force funded by the Home Office and consisting of operational offices, a training school, garaging for operational and stolen vehicles, residential units together with social and sports facilities, set in 40 acres of countryside.

This complex is on the edge of Portishead overlooking the Gordano valley. It was designed as separate buildings to allow for uncertainties of funding. The site had not previously been developed and is partly within the Green Belt. Special consideration had to be given to existing wildlife in collaboration with the Local Trust. The buildings are of two and three storeys clad in buff coloured bricks with tiled roofs. The Amenity building is at the heart of the complex and has a conservatory which forms a natural meeting place for staff from all departments and for the students of the Training School. The Training School required a separate identity and its layout is based on ‘Oxbridge’ type courtyards which give shelter from the prevailing wind. Playing fields are laid out using excavated material, infront of the complex which could not be used for buildings because of green belt restrictions. The buildings angle across the site to enjoy the view over the Gordano valley.