Tasmania Police’s new look Bellerive station will be officially opened on Friday, 18 November 2011.

The $6 million refurbishment and extension has doubled the space that was previously available at the Divisional Headquarters in Bellerive.

“The redevelopment has been a major project for Tasmania Police over the last 18 months and has resulted in a substantial increase in the standard of accommodation for the members of the Bellerive station,” said Police Commissioner Darren Hine.

All office areas in the building, which was originally built in 1972, have been re-designed. The station’s former cell block has been demolished and a new wing built onto the existing building. There are new holding cells, a new conference room, additional garages and new recreational facilities. Existing toilet and shower facilities have been upgraded and new shower and change facilities provided.

“It is only fitting that staff experience these improved facilities given the patience they have demonstrated over the past 18 months. Staff have either been relocated throughout the construction or have worked with building works being carried out around them,” Mr Hine said.

The redevelopment boasts an energy-efficient design with a minimised environmental footprint and incorporates low energy-use features including zoned mechanical systems, heavy insulation, high-performance heat-reflecting glazing to perimeter windows and use of a rainwater collection tank for car wash facilities.

In addition to building improvements, Bellerive is the first of Tasmania Police’s stations to be fully equipped with wi-fi capacity and has also seen the deployment of new computer hardware to the station.

“This is another of the many steps that the Department has taken to deliver a modern, pro-active and intelligence-led policing service to the Tasmanian community,” said Mr Hine.

The Police Minister, David O’Byrne, welcomed the station’s refurbishment and extension.

“A modern, efficient Police service needs the best facilities and equipment possible. That’s exactly what we’re providing,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“This is about creating the safest and most modern premises for Police to work in, as well as detaining offenders.

"The Government is making the strong decisions we need to protect jobs and services for years to come,” he said.

The completion of the Bellerive station is the first of the three divisional headquarters replacement / refurbishment projects.

It’s anticipated that a tender will be released in the New Year for works to commence on a new station for Devonport and Glenorchy at a later stage.

This year’s State Budget included almost $20-million over two years for major Police projects, including more than $11.3-million to upgrade and redevelop the Devonport and Glenorchy stations.