An election commitment to build a police divisional headquarters at Longford is one step closer now land on the corner of Cressy Road and Peel Street has been secured.
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The new $5 million purpose-built divisional headquarters will have the capacity and security requirements to respond to community needs, as well as allowing for future development.
Police Minister Mark Shelton said the government was investing to ensure officers had the tools and infrastructure required to do their job and protect Tasmanians.
"Work is now underway for the next steps of this important community project, with construction scheduled to begin by mid-2020, with a completion expected by mid-2021," Mr Shelton said.
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Initial plans designed by Tasmanian architecture firm HBV Architects have also been released, offering a birds-eye view of the future station.
Veteran Tasmania Police Inspector Scott Flude is heavily involved in the planning, building and opening of the new divisional headquarters.
"We have pretty well reached the end of planning for the station and we are nearing completion of the design process with the architect," Inspector Flude said.
"We are hoping to put it out for tender early Christmas or start of the new year."
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A considerable amount of time was spent assessing available sites in the Longford township, but the new facility's infrastructure requirements and need for future proofing meant a location three kilometres from the town was the best fit.
"Our expectation is Longford will grow in the next 20 years in a southerly direction, so we will get swallowed up by the township," Inspector Flude said.
"We don't get an opportunity to build a police headquarters every day and this site is perfect for that purpose."
The site also leaves room for Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Fire Service to possibly set up in the future, creating an emergency services hub.
"The community feedback has been really good and there is an option to put other emergency services down there in the future, so I am really happy about it," Inspector Flude said.
Mr Shelton said Tasmanians deserved to live in safety and free from the impact of crime. The state government is also boosting police numbers with 125 front officers being recruited.
