Construction on a new purpose-built police station at Longford is set to commence next week.
The $5 million project was a 2018 state election commitment, with construction initially due to commence in mid-2020.
On Wednesday, Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Mark Shelton said construction would commence next week, with the new station due to be completed by the end of the year.
"Because of COVID and other issues, we have been working on this all the time and we have to go through the planning process and the preliminary work," he said.
"So it's good to get that all behind us, and now we can get into the actual building."
Longford's existing police station dates back to the 1970s.
Mr Shelton said the new station, located on the corner of Cressy Road and Peel Street three kilometres out of town, would provide more space and the security requirements to respond to the region's needs.
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"Rural and regional policing of course is critical to the way that Tasmania Police deliver policing services across Tasmania, and having contemporary, late model and up to date policing facilities for our police service is very important," he said.
According to a development application lodged with the Northern Midland's council last February, the new station will cover 830 square-metres including office and meeting spaces as well as amenities and operation areas.
There will also be space in a secure garage for seven police vehicles and a 945-sqm storage building, with an additional 45-space car park for staff and visitors.
Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Stuart Wilkinson said securing a contemporary facility for Northern Midlands police was an exciting opportunity, with the site also allowing for future expansions down the track.
"This is a contemporary facility which will improve opportunities for our police to do their business better," he said.
"It will be a contemporary site, with contemporary facilities and it will be a great improvement for police in the area."
VOS will undertake the construction of the new station, with HBV Architects leading the design.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
