The Bay of Plenty Police District headquarters in Rotorua are moving into new premises to be built on the site of the existing Rotorua police station on Fenton Street.

Once completed, the new premises will house both the district headquarters and the Rotorua police station.

Rotorua police station. Image: Google Earth.

Police Minister Judith Collins announced the project, estimated to cost $18.5 million today, and says the new premises are much needed in Rotorua.

'Our New Zealand Police deserve plenty of support, good tools and good working conditions to keep winning the war against crime.

'This includes modern, well-equipped police stations that allow them to perform at their best.

'Rotorua has grown and flourished over the past 40 years.

'While the current station has served Rotorua well, it is no longer able to support the needs of modern policing.

'The new station will be purpose built to allow staff to work together more efficiently, provide improved access for the public, and for police to serve this community better.”

Demolition of the present police station is scheduled for May 2012 with it becoming operational in October 2013.

During works, the Rotorua police services will relocate and operate from a purpose-fitted temporary location directly across the road from the existing site, in the old Spences building at 1199 Fenton Street.

Rotorua Police Area Commander, Inspector Bruce Horne, says a new police station for Rotorua is a positive for both staff and the local community.

'This is a busy and unique police area and the way we operate has changed significantly even in the past 10 years – let alone since the existing building was first opened more than 40 years ago.

'The new station will be purpose-built for modern-day policing, catering for current and future staffing levels, police vehicles and resources and easy access for members of the community.

'The new building will also migrate seamlessly into the state-of-the-art custodial facility opened just a few years ago.”