A multi-million pound building project that will improve policing in north Manchester looks set to be approved by Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA).

The £56 million scheme includes the creation of a new divisional headquarters at Central Park, Newton Heath, north east Manchester.

In addition Collyhurst Police Station is to be refurbished, a new city centre enquiry policing post will be created and accommodation will be provided for a Neighbourhood Policing Team at Bradford Park under the plans put forward at a special GMPA meeting.

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Other features of the project include the closure of Bootle Street, Newton Heath and Grey Mare Lane police stations which no longer support the needs of a 21st Century police force.

GMPA Chairman Cllr Paul Murphy said: "This deal has significant regeneration benefits for north east Manchester. It will also ensure North Manchester people have visible, easy to access police services and GMP employees have fit-for-purpose facilities. In short, better police services for the benefit of everyone.

"At the meeting we heard that some of the funding elements which the scheme depends on are in place. Once we have received official confirmation, we will formally approve the project and sort the legal side of things."

Subject to final approval being given in the coming weeks, building work to create the new divisional HQ is expected to start next month. It is due for completion in September 2011.

(CD/GK)