New Police Headquarters - a prestigious, dignified complex

4 Photos

Completion and occupation of the new Arsenal House Police Headquarters and Central District and Central Divisional Headquarters later this year will bring to fruition over seven years of detailed planning and development. The new complex will be named Arsenal House, with the existing Arsenal House being renamed Arsenal House East Wing.

The new Arsenal House is an excellent example of the way in which the Force has strived to ensure that this purpose-built complex will be a prestigious, yet dignified building that will serve its needs well into this century. It will be a modern building combining esthetical vision with operational practicality. This goal has been achieved by fusing design and functionality with the latest information technology. The overall guiding principle has been to further enhance the Force's service to the public.

The latest environmental energy-saving devices have been built into the complex, such as infrared presence sensors in offices to control lights and air conditioning. Information technology applications have been maximised with the provision of video-conferencing, computer flooring and relocatable partitions, which will allow for the flexible use of space, and enhance working efficiency and cost effectiveness. A minimalist approach has been taken with subtle landscaping features, in line with the design and fittings in the complex.

The new complex consists of three main structures, which are physically integrated as one building, but marshaled separately with a strategic centrally controlled security system. The complex consists of a 42-storey High Tower Block, which will house various Police Headquarters Major Formations, a Lower Block, which will house the common facilities such as a Force Library and various public interface offices, an example of which is the Police Licensing Office. Finally another 14-storey block will accommodate the Central District and Central Divisional Headquarters.

There are four basement levels, which combine vehicle parking with functional aspects such as plant rooms. The new development will be inter-linked with the existing Arsenal House, (which will be re-named as Arsenal House East Wing) and Arsenal House West Wing, by means of a footbridge and new integrated staff entrances.

Staff will find a variety of facilities in the complex, including a Multi-purpose Hall, which will seat 200 people and will have video/audio links to other facilities within the building. An Auditorium which will seat up to 300 people will also be provided and be fitted with simultaneous interpretation capabilities in addition to video/audio links. The Force Library and Resource Centre will have audio/visual booths and rooms. Support Wing will manage the complex and a booking system will be available through POINT to enable staff to book various facilities. A PPRB press briefing cum display area; the Force Roll of Honour; an Indoor Firing Range; Ceremonial Area; and catering facilities that will provide both Chinese and fast-food style services will all be included in the new Arsenal House.

Access to the new Arsenal House Police Headquarters will be available from three directions. These include Arsenal Street from the east (for vehicles and pedestrians), Harcourt Road from the north (for vehicles only), and Harcourt Garden from the west (for pedestrians only). The Harcourt Road vehicle entrance will become the main vehicle entrance for the new complex; therefore a sense of arrival, coupled with ambiance, has been incorporated into the design of this entrance. Members of the public will be able to access the building from Arsenal Street by either a staircase or escalator, which will take them to the lift lobby or the Central Division report room. The public interface offices, such as the Shroffs Office, Crime Prevention Bureau, Licensing and Central Traffic Prosecution Bureau enquiry offices, are all co-located on the lower floors to provide ease of access for members of the public.

A series of interface works and some post contract works are planned to commence after the Architectural Services Department hands over the new Police Headquarters later this month. Such works will involve the modification of the Arsenal House entrance and these will include the construction of an escalator to allow a connection to the link bridge of the new complex; and modification of the lift lobby and entrance after the new staff entrances become operational. As some existing facilities in Arsenal House fall within some of the interface areas, works will be arranged to relocate some facilities, before the interface works commence. The majority of interface works will therefore not commence until May 2004.

The move into the new complex by staff in several phases will commence in August by which time internal fitting out works will have been completed.

Once the new Arsenal House is fully operational towards the end of 2004 or early 2005, the complex will enhance the level of service provided to the public. All members of the community and the Force who work within or visit the complex will surely be proud of this prestigious building.

Artist impression of the new Arsenal House