Former police headquarters sold in £17m deal

A landmark former police headquarters has been bought by a government agency to make way for a new waterfront redevelopment project.

Canning Place in Liverpool city centre was home to Merseyside Police for more than 40 years, first opening its doors in 1977.

But it has now officially been handed over to Homes England for £17m, with new homes, a hotel, shops, and leisure facilities expected to be built on the 2.64-acre site.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner described the sale as "a hugely significant moment".

Merseyside Police began moving out of Canning Place in 2021, before officially moving to a site at Rose Hill in March 2022.

The funds raised in the sale of previous base are expected to be reinvested into modernising and updating Merseyside Police's stations and buildings.

"The site was part of Merseyside Police's story for more than 40 years, but it was no longer suitable for a modern, forward-looking police service," said Spurrell.

"Canning Place sits in one of the most important locations on Liverpool's iconic waterfront, and Homes England's involvement will bring fresh energy, new opportunities and a vibrant new neighbourhood."

Homes England said it was looking forward to bringing "this exciting project forward".

"This is a great example of how the public sector can work together to unlock the redevelopment of public sector assets to boost housing and regeneration," said Danielle Gillesphie, from Homes England.

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