A state-of-the-art, eco-friendly police facility has officially opened in Abergavenny, marking a significant step forward in enhancing neighbourhood policing across the region.

Located on the A465 in Llanfoist, the multi-million-pound, purpose-built facility serves as the new operational hub for Gwent Police, covering the local authority areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, and Torfaen.

Strategically positioned for rapid response along the 'Heads of the Valley Road', the facility enables the neighbourhood policing team to efficiently patrol the town centre on foot. Additionally, a customer-facing counter service remains operational at Abergavenny Town Hall, ensuring accessibility for local residents.

The project was delivered by Pick Everard, a multi-disciplinary consultancy firm, in collaboration with contractor Willmott Dixon. Managed through Perfect Circle and accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, the facility has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, reflecting its strong environmental credentials.

Recognised at the National Considerate Constructors Scheme for its positive contribution to the region, the development exemplifies modern policing infrastructure designed with sustainability and community engagement in mind.

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Thomas Bean, senior project manager at Pick Everard, said: "This has been a highly rewarding project to bring a key policing hub in Wales up to modern standards. It required our expertise to help navigate brownfield land development and build a facility that would serve the region effectively.

"The new base was also crucial for public confidence, with a location close to the town centre and the A465, enabling rapid vehicle response.

"Now complete, the facility provides a functional and practical modern workplace for officers and staff. As Gwent police’s greenest base to date, the new scheme sets a new benchmark for balancing operational needs with sustainable credentials."

On the roof of the building, photovoltaic solar panels have been installed with battery storage located inside the facility that will maximise the efficiency of usage of the solar energy produced.

The site has a total of 30 parking spaces, including five standard electric vehicle charging spaces and two accessible spaces, including one accessible electric vehicle charging bay.

In addition to its advanced energy features, the site also includes various ecological enhancements, including a drainage balance pond and wildlife underpasses to ensure safe passage for wildlife.

'Frog ladders' enable reptiles to climb out if they fall into drainage gullies, while bat boxes, bird boxes, native hedge planting, and a bug hotel for invertebrates also form part of the scheme.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: "We know the public wants to see neighbourhood policing increased and for services to be properly resourced to tackle crime.

"That's why we have announced that we will recruit 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs to do just that.

"The new police facility in Abergavenny will ensure that the local Gwent Police officers have a visible base in the town and can help keep the streets safe.

"Officers and the Welsh public can be clear that the UK Government will support police to make the improvements they need."