Green light for Central Police Station

Outline planning permission was unanimously granted for the application at the old Central Police Station on 120 Irish Town at yesterday’s meeting of the Development and Planning Commission.

The application sought to renovate and extend the premises as well as create a public access gallery.

This gallery and space will feature the original cells of the Police Station and other historic items that will all relate the history of the Royal Gibraltar Police.

Three options for the extension were presented to the DPC members, the Town Planner said that Option 2B would be its recommendation and with this, all Commission members agreed.

This option adds to the “iconic image of the building”, while also taking influence from the shape of the windows in the existing build. Some members commented it is something that you would expect to see on such a building as this.

The architect speaking on behalf of the applicant said: “The client is committed to an innovative design.”

The extension is required by the developers to make the project viable for them.

The Central Police Station became operational in 1864 and a record of its past will be preserved and open to the public on the lower levels of the station, most probably free of charge.

As a result of its heritage value a survey will be completed and all items inside will be assessed such as safes. There will also be a watching brief conducted when work for the lift shaft is being carried out.

Both the architect and the Heritage Trust spoke about the existing brick works and how this will be restored.

The architect said a team of specialists will be used and that the applicant is determined “to bring the building back to its original glory.”

FULL DPC REPORT IN TODAY'S PRINT AND E-EDITIONS