Demolition of the old police station on Monmouth Street is underway with contractors removing parts of the building's internal structure.

The 46-year-old building is being cleared to make room for a new $20 million state-of-the-art facility.

An announcement to replace the station was made in August.

Contractors are demolishing the old Tauranga Police Station on Monmouth Street.

The old building was designed to house only 50 staff and 10 police vehicles, but in recent times has serviced 185 staff and 60 vehicles.

'The opening of the new facility won't come fast enough for Tauranga police,” says former Police Minister Judith.

She says the old station was cramped, in poor condition and did not meet the needs of a modern police service.

'Lack of space has resulted in police leasing additional buildings in Tauranga to house parts of their operations, such as prosecutions, neighbourhood policing teams and various administration functions.”

Monmouth Street is closed today to allow demolition works to occur.

The building project is expected to cost $20.8 million over the 20 year life of the building and is to be funded from police baselines.

'The new 3900sqm facility will bring them together under one roof.
'This will enable close cooperation and communication between police groups, a better working environment and better facilities for the pubic.

'Our police deserve plenty of support, good tools and good working conditions.

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

During construction of the new building, police have taken up residence at 111 Third Avenue.

The new facility is expected to be fully operational around mid-2013.