Bath is set to welcome a brand-new, fully equipped police station as work progresses at the long-vacant Plymouth House on Monmouth Street.
Since the original city police station closed in 2015, Bath’s police operations have been split between two locations. Lewis House, located on Manvers Street opposite the old station, currently serves as the base for the neighbourhood policing team and enquiry desk, carrying the name “Bath Police Station.” Meanwhile, the response teams operate from a site on Lower Bristol Road, further afield.
In 2024, Avon & Somerset Police purchased Plymouth House with the vision of consolidating operations into a central, modern facility. Planning permission was granted in October of the same year to convert the office block into the city’s new primary police station.
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According to the planning application, this redevelopment aims to “strengthen the operational capabilities of Avon & Somerset Police, ensuring effective support and safety for the Bath community.”
Significant renovations are underway, including replacing the building’s many windows and the roof to boost security, enhance energy efficiency, and improve overall building quality. The canopy that once sheltered the entrance has been removed to prevent potential unauthorized access, and plans have been submitted to install new signage comparable to those at Lewis House.
Security enhancements also include enclosing the external rear staircase, installing a high fence and new sliding gate around the car park to safeguard police vehicles, and adding a bike store to encourage environmentally friendly commuting for officers and staff.
Additional features planned near the main entrance include an out-of-hours contact phone and a knife surrender bin to promote community safety. However, details of the interior layout remain confidential and were redacted from public planning documents.
The acquisition and repurposing of Plymouth House were key initiatives by former Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford before the post was taken over by Labour’s Clare Moody in 2024.
Originally aiming for a summer 2025 opening, the project timeline was adjusted in June 2025, with the new police station now expected to open by summer 2026 following a nine-month conversion period.
Chief Inspector Scott Hill highlighted the benefits of the new station last year: “Our priority is to provide the best service for the community, which means ensuring our officers and staff have efficient and suitable facilities. Plymouth House will bring our neighbourhood and response teams together under one roof, offering a modern, fit-for-purpose environment in the heart of the city to deliver outstanding policing in Bath.”