North Somerset Council is set to sell its Castlewood office complex in Clevedon to Avon and Somerset Police for £7.5 million, significantly below the £12.6 million it paid in 2010. Councillors will decide on the proposed sale on Tuesday, July 14.
The building will be transformed into a “regional policy hub,” accommodating 550 mainly desk-based police staff to support specialist policing functions. Importantly, this move will not affect the existing Avon and Somerset Police headquarters in Portishead.
According to the council report, the project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including job creation on-site, along with opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. The site is earmarked for long-term use as a strategic employment location.
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Originally purchased under a Conservative-led council as its main office, Castlewood was earmarked for demolition and redevelopment into housing after the partnership administration took over in 2019. The 4.6-hectare site was planned for 120 new homes under the local plan. However, the report clarifies that retaining the building for police use will not negatively impact overall housing delivery targets, which currently exceed the district’s goals.
Maintaining the existing structure will also help reduce carbon emissions associated with demolition. The council anticipates the £7.5 million sale price will exceed the £3 million it initially expected to generate from a housing sale.
Financially, the council has yet to fully repay the original purchase of Castlewood. Through accounting mechanisms, it has been funding the building via the revenue budget, having repaid £7.96 million with £4.64 million remaining.
If the sale is approved, completion is expected by December 30, marking a significant step in the council’s strategic plans while supporting Avon and Somerset Police’s operational needs.