CONSTRUCTION of the new Merseyside Police headquarters has taken a major step closer to completion.

A 'topping out' ceremony marked the end the building's main construction phase.

Police commissioner Jane Kennedy and chief constable Andy Cooke QPM signed the last piece of steel that will be installed in the £48m Liverpool-based centre during the ceremony on Friday.

Once the steel framework is complete, work can begin on kitting out the bespoke four-storey headquarters overlooking Scotland Road and the entrance to the Queensway tunnel.

Construction began in September with a sod turning ceremony at the brownfield site, adjacent to the force's existing station on St Anne Street.

Work on the site has continued apace despite the coronavirus pandemic, with social distancing practices implemented by construction firm Willmott Dixon, in order for the milestone to be reached on time and on budget.

Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "What an achievement! Last September, the chief constable and I were here to 'turn the first sod' on what was a large muddy field but in a fantastic location, looking down over Liverpool city centre and the River Mersey.

"Less than nine months on and in spite of the complications thrown up by Covid-19, this impressive structure has come to life, acting as a proud guardian over this key gateway into the city.

"We are now a major step closer towards the completion of a brand new, much-needed Headquarters for Merseyside Police.

"This new Headquarters is the visible proof of the determination that the Chief Constable and I share to provide the officers and staff of Merseyside Police with the best facilities we can afford, to help them fight crime now and into the future.

"Canning Place opened its doors in 1977 and it has been a loyal servant for the last 40 years, but sadly it is no longer fit for purpose and it is very costly to run.

"The force needs modern facilities and equipment which will make them more effective and efficient.

"This new headquarters will do just that, saving approximately £250,000 a year in running costs compared to the existing headquarters, while helping the force to continue to protect our communities for years to come.”

Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "It's incredible to see how the building has progressed in the last eight months and I know officers and staff are excited about moving to the new premises in September next year.

"It is vital that we have a building that is fit for purpose, cost effective and efficient.

"This new HQ will help us to provide officers and staff with modern and sustainable facilities and equipment, which are vital maintaining our ability to deliver an efficient and effective service for the people of Merseyside."

All the money saved on the running costs of the new headquarters compared to Canning Place can be directed straight into frontline policing.

The new Headquarters is part-funded by capital specifically set aside for the Force’s buildings and part borrowed from approved sources, in accordance with the Prudential Code for capital finance.

This money is completely separate from the funding for police officers and staff.

It is also hoped that a large portion of the cost of the new Headquarters will be recouped through the sale of Canning Place, recently described as ‘the best regeneration opportunity in the entire country’.

The Police Commissioner first unveiled plans to build a new police headquarters in Everton ward in September 2016 as part of her 10-year plan to modernise Merseyside Police stations and facilities.

The announcement followed a year-long evaluation of a host of potential new sites, as well as the potential refurbishment of the existing headquarters. This process confirmed a new headquarters would be cheaper to build and maintain and more sustainable, efficient and environmentally-friendly.