Police announce plans for the development of the Middlemoor site

Devon and Cornwall Police has announced plans to re-develop its Middlemoor Headquarters, in partnership with food retailer Morrisons.

They are looking to sell up to 15 acres of surplus land on the northern side of the site. The sale of this land will then fund new policing infrastructure on the southern side.

The development will include a new Criminal Justice Centre (CJC) and operational hub, which will ultimately replace the current facility in Heavitree Road that is nearing the end of its useful life and has high maintenance costs. Incorporating green technology is a key objective during the design process and as such the CJC and hub will be amongst the greenest buildings the Force owns.

The plans will include a modern Morrisons foodstore that will be accessed from the roundabout linking Wilton Way and Honiton Road. Eight acres of land will be sold to Morrisons for a new foodstore and petrol filling station which will bring approximately 350 new jobs to Exeter.  

As part of the Force’s and Morrisons’ public engagement plan, they will be holding a number of public events which will give the local community the chance to meet the project team and see the proposals in more detail.

Deputy Chief Constable David Zinzan says: “The Force continually looks for ways to improve and enhance the safety of our communities. We are reviewing and modernising our infrastructures and environment to ensure we are delivering the best possible service.

“By modernising our buildings and facilities, we are planning for the future and dispensing with buildings which have come to the end of their useful life and have high maintenance costs.

“We are creating a better experience for the public when they visit the facilities with improved interviewing facilities and waiting areas.

“This project is self funding as it will use the capital generated from the land sale, which will be reinvested into the construction of the new facilities."

“Changes will not happen overnight, it is important that we reflect on feedback from our staff and our communities and get things right. We will listen carefully through consultation and provide a sustainable service that best meets the needs of our communities.”

Robin Langford, Development Executive at Morrisons said: “We are delighted to be working with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall as part of this important redevelopment which will help to modernise Police facilities in Exeter.  As part of the masterplan for the site, Morrisons would bring a modern foodstore to Middlemoor, providing our expanded fresh food range at the affordable prices Morrisons is known for.

“We focus on providing great value fresh food for the weekly shop.  If our application is successful, we will be recruiting around 350 new staff from the local area, including butchers, bakers, fishmongers and customer service staff, who will help advise our new customers.”

Details regarding the consultation events will be announced in due course.